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A Century of History

of the

Walnut Street
Presbvterian Church

of
Evansville, Indiana

With Sketches of it's Pastors, Officers, and

Prominent Members and Reminiscences

of Early Times

Part I. By Mary F. Reilly

Published in 1891

Part II. By Emily Orr Clifford

Published in 1921

KIHKPATRICK - HEIM PTG. CO.

EV^ANSVILLE

1921

History of the
Walnut Street Presbyterian Chnrch

1167652

PART I.

DEDICATION

To the memory of the friends of long ago,
and to the members of Walnut Street Church,
this volume is affectionately dedicated by

Mary F. Reilly.

MRS. MARY F. REILLY

Historian of Part I.

CONTENTS PART 1.

1. Foreword — Mrs. Mary F. Reilly.

2. Documents of Trustees.

3. Other Denominations,

4. The Little Church on the Hill.

5. Rev. Calvin Butler 1831.
Rev. McAfee.

6. Rev. Jeremiah R. Barnes 1838.

7. Prominent Members.

8. Rev. Samuel K. Sneed 1846
Rev. A. E. Lord 1848.

9. Rev. Wm. H. McCarer 1849.

10. Pillars of the Church" and "Honorable Women."

11. Rev. J. P. E. Kumler 1868.
Rev. Samuel Carlisle 1872.

12. Rev. Charles Henry Foote, D. D., 1876
Rev. Alexander Sterritt.

13. Mr. and Mrs. John Shanklin.

14. Rev. J. Q. Adams, D. D., 1878
Rev. Seward M. Dodge 1881.

15. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Orr, and Mrs. Farrell.

16. Hon. John W. Foster, and Mrs. Eliza McFerson.

17. Mrs. E. T. Drew.

18. Professor Tinker.

19. Rev L. M. Gilleland, D. D.

20. Elders and Earliest Members.

21. The Children.

22. Old Friends.

CHAPTER I.

"The great eventful present
hides the past,

but through the din
Of its loud life, hints and echoes

of the life behind steal in."

In the address of Moses to the Israelites when he was
about to retire to Mount Nebo, which was to be his final
resting place, he exhorted them to rightly appreciate the
"greatness" of God, who had in mercy brought them, not-
withstanding their wanderings and shortcomings, safely
thus far, saying "He found him (Israel) in a desert land,
and in the waste howling wilderness ; he led him about ; he
instructed him ; he kept him as the apple of his eye."

"As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her
young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth
them on her wings, so the Lord alone did lead him." As if
to emphasize more forcibly this beautiful and eloquent pic-
ture and add additional testimony to his assertions, he said :
"Remember the days of old, consider the years of many gen-
erations : ask thy father, and he will show thee ; thy elders,
and they will tell thee." The condition of Israel when found
in a desert land might well apply to the state of the church
when first found in these western wilds, and the loving and
watchful care that has been bestowed upon it finds a smile
in the foregoing description.

It is now seventy years since the religious denomination
worshiping in the Walnut street church had its first exis-
tence, and as there is not now living one of the members of
that church, when first formed, we may conclude that by the
time its Centennial anniversary arrives there will be none
of even the early "fathers" or "elders" to tell of "these days
of old." In view of this fact, the writer and compiler of this
book, who is probably the oldest person living who remem-
bers any of its infancy, has thought that a short history
might be of interest to some of its present and future mem-

bers, and offers this little volume as an anniversary greet-
ing to the friends and members of Walnut Street Church
with the hope that the history may be continued by some
younger person in future years. If the events are recorded
as they transpire, much more of interest will be preserved
for a future volume than will be found in this, and it is
hoped that in ten or fifteen years from this time some one
will be found to have kept a record of the events and pro-
gress of the church who will add a second volume of the his-
tory of Walnut Street Church.

The circumstances surrounding this church in its earli-
est formation throw a halo about that event. Those who
witnessed its early struggles for existence can remember too
well the care and anxiety that filled the minds and hearts of
those who were most deeply interested in its welfare. Re-
ligion of any kind had seemed to be a secondary consider-
ation with the greater part of the then sparse population,
their greatest efforts being required to minister to the tem-
poral wants of their families. Those who had come from
other places where they had enjoyed religious privileges had
brought their religion with them and made use of it, in a
private way, but when it became necessary for it to assume
the form of dollars and cents for the public use it took on a
new phase, and there were very few who felt that the money
could be spared to pay a preacher or build a church.

In the year 1821 the Presbyterian church was organized
under the direction of Rev. D. C. Banks, who was at that
time pastor of a Presbyterian church in Henderson, Ky. The
membership of the church consisted of ten or twelve per-
sons, and as there was no particular place of worship or
stated times appointed for services the church received no
additions for a long time. There were occasional meetings
in private houses — sometimes in an old log school house on
the lower side of Locust street, between First and Second,
and sometimes in a small log house located on First street
between Oak and Mulberry, which is not now standing; it
was removed many years ago to the lot of Mr. Wm. Dean,
corner of First and Mulberry streets. This old building was
erected for a private residence, but after the Presbyterian
church was completed it was fitted up for a Baptist church.
An old brick Court House, painted green, with no floor and
with "puncheon" seats, was also a place where the faithful
assembled to hear the word dispensed. During the week,
the doors being left open, sheep and other animals sought
shade, or refuge from inclement weather in these sacred

precincts. In winter time the luxury of a fire was considered
necessary, which was built in a fire-place in the side of the
waW, and the audience was often dissolved in tears, weep-
ing, not so much on account of their own sins as for the
shortcomings of the brick mason who built the miserable
chimney, which sent more smoke through the building and
audience than ascended heavenward. The upper part of this
Court House was afterward finished into a comfortable
room where the Episcopalians held service and where fairs
and shows of diff'erent kinds were also held.

The "Apostolic Succession" of the present day would
deem it sacrilegious to hold service in a place desecrated by
ventriloquists, conjurers and prestidigitators.

A small brick school house was erected on the public
square back of what is now 76 Main street. It was built
the same year that the first church was, but was finished
earlier and meetings were occasionally held in this. The
Episcopal church was organized and its first service held in
this school house, Bishop Kemper and Rev. Mr. Johnston,
of Terre Haute, conducting the meeting.

At this meeting a very amusing incident took place,
which was probably not put down in the records of that
time, as it would have been impossible to describe it as it
appeared. There had been no arrangement made for con-
ducting the singing and it devolved upon the only two men
present beside the Clergyman and Bishop to start the tune.
Mr. Ira French, who was the only Episcopalian in the town,
and Mr. Eperson, of the Methodist church, were the ones
who conducted the singing. Mr. French deferred to Mr.
Eperson, who started off in full voice on a short meter tune
to the long meter hymn announced. It went very well till
the first few words of the hymn were sung, but when the
tune came to an end there were still words to sing. Of
course it was expected they would stop in such a plight, but
nothing daunted they held on to the last note and finished
the line and continued on in this manner till three verses
were sung. No one laughed and no one cried, but all laughed
till they cried when they got out of the school house. Mr.
French, on being asked why he continued singing under the
circumstances, replied that he had appointed the chorister
and he was bound to stand by him until the last. It was cer-
tainly the most ludicrous affair that ever happened at an
Episcopal service.

Besides the school house there were but three other
brick buildings in the place at this time, the Court House

and a two-story brick occupied by Mr. Edward Hopkins, the
father of Mrs. Chas. Viele ; also a two-story brick on Main
street, where the old bank now stands. It was occupied by
F. E. Goodsell, postmaster, and afterward by Judge Mat-
thew Foster, father of Hon. John W. Foster, of Washing-
ton, and of Messrs. Alex., James and Will Foster, of Evans-
ville.

CHAPTER II.

To the Rev. Calvin Butler, the people of Evansville were
largely indebted for their first church edifice. Mr. Butler
belonged to the Vincennes Presbyteiy, and was appointed to
preach occasionally in this place. He urged the building of a
church, and though there was but a feeble response at first
to his project, with his characteristic courage and energy,
he undertook the work of raising the money. There were,
at that time, only about three hundred inhabitants, and none
of them wealthy. The citizens who were most interested in
building the church were Hon. Wm. Olmsted, Messrs. John
Shanklin and Alanson Warner, whose wives were prominent
members of the church, Mr. Luke Wood and Amos Clark,
the latter a leading lawyer at that time, who subsequently
removed to Texas.

We find among documents belonging to the church, one
which shows that on April 20th, 1813, a subscription list
was started, of which the following is a copy :

Original Building Subscription

The undersigned, being desirous to have a Presbyterian
Meeting House for Evansville and its vicinity, promise to
pay the sums severally annexed to our names, to trustees
hereafter to be appointed by the subscribers. Said house to
be 30x50 feet, of brick, with its walls 18 feet in height ; to
have eight windows with forty lights each of glass 10x12 in. ;
with two doors and a floor jointed, not planed ; and a good
roof.

Evansville, Ind., April 20th, 1831.

NAMES

AM T.

John Shanklm .__$100.00

A. Warner 50.00

NAMES

Julius Harrison

Rich'd Browning

Alex. Johnson

Marcus Sherwood ....

Archippus Gillett

Daniel Tool, in tail-
oring

Jno. W. Duncan , in
leather and cash ..

Robert Barnes

Jno. W. Lilleston

John Ingle

Levi Price, labor

M. D. Robertson

persons is now living.)

N. Rowley 20.00

Calvin Butler 75.00

Luke Wood, $25 cash

$25 labor 50.00

Wm. Olmsted, $25

cash, $25 labor .... 50.00

Amos Clark 50.00

David Negley 25.00

James Lewis 25.00

John Mitchel 25.00

E. Hull, in labor 5.00

Chas Fullerton 5.00

S. Stevens, saddlery.. 25.00
(Not one of the above

In pursuance of the above subscriptions, a meeting was
held, which, by the following official record, organized the
enterprise, by election of Trustees.

Election of Trustees.

AM T.

5.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00

5.00

20.00
10.00

3.00
10.00
10.00

2.50

At a meeting of the subscribers for building a Presby-
terian Meeting House in the town of Evansville, at the house
of Alanson Warner, on the 23rd of April, for the purpose of
electing Trustees, in pursuance of subscription, at which
meeting David Negley was elected chairman, and James
Lewis, secretary, the following persons were chosen Trus-
tees: Amos Clark, Alanson Warner, and William Olmsted.

David Negley, Chairman.
James Lewis, Secretary.

Mr. Butler had interested himself so much in the church
that he was permitted by the Presbytery to remove his place
of residence to Evansville, and the above trustees, knowing
that he intended making a visit to the east, hoping in some
way to obtain help for building the church, gave him the
following commission. The appeal is pathetic, while it shows
that nothing but a strong desire to enjoy the comforts and
consolations of the Gospel, could in their days of poverty,
have caused them to give of their scanty means to such a
cause.

The Commission.

Rev. Calvin Butler, Sir: — The undersigned having been
appointed trustees for the purpose of procuring and appro-
priating funds to the building of a Presbyterian Meeting
House, in the town of Evansville, have made the effort to
obtain necessary subscription for that purpose, but are sat-
isfied we will not be able to obtain sufficient funds in this
vicinity, to accomplish the object. A number of individuals
have shown by their subscriptions, the deep interest they
feel in the accomplishment of so important a matter. This
fact we believe will be equally obvious to others as to our-
selves, when they are told that there are subscriptions from
fifty to seventy-five dollars, by persons not worth more than
from five to eight hundred dollars; yet, with all the exer-
tion we can use, we believe we must fail in the undertaking,
unless through your agency, we can procure assistance from
some eastern friends. Knowing that you are about to make
a journey through the eastern part of the United States, we
have thought proper to request and authorize you in such
manner, and at such times and places as you may think prop-
er, to solicit assistance for the accomplishment of the be-
fore mentioned object. It is not our intention to build an
expensive building, but one that will cost between ^1,200 and
$1,500; but even for this small sum we are compelled to so-
licit the assistance of our more blessed and wealthy friends.
The importance of a place of public worship in Evansville
will be acknowledged by all who are acquainted with its sit-
uation. At this time there is not a convenient or comfort-
able house in which to worship, in the town or its vicinity —
not even a good school house. During the fall, winter and
spring, owing to the uncertain and uncomfortable place of
meeting, it may emphatically be said, that the cause of Zion
mourns, because few attend her solemn feasts. In addition
to this, the importance of the situation, both as a landing
place for boats upon the Ohio River, the termination of
stages, which travel up and down the Wabash River, renders
this place a more central and suitable one for such a build-
ing than others between the falls and the mouth of the Ohio
River. As there is no other place of equal importance in
these two points of view, we therefore hope, if it is consist-
ent with your views, that you wi'Il use your endeavors to
procure the necessary assistance, and any donation in fur-
therance of our designs, will be thankfully received and

faithfully appropriated.

Wm. Olmstead,
A. Warner.
Amos Clark.

Evansville, Ind., April, 1831.

The funds raised by Mr. Butler of friends in the East
enabled the Trustees to go forward with the enterprise, and
the manner in which Mr. Butler and the donors intended
they should be expended, the following receipt found among
the church papers conclusively shows:

"Rec'd of Rev. Calvin Butler, Three Hundred Dollars,
which we pledge ourselves shall be sacredly appropriated for
the purpose of building a Presbyterian Meeting House in the
town of Evansville.

Amos Clark,

Wm. Olmstead,

A. Warner,
Trustees of the Society.

There is also among the church papers a title bond
given by John B. Stinson, a Baptist preacher in which
he binds himself to convey to these Trustees the lots upon
which the church was built: "In and for the consideration
of one hundred dollars," which at that time was the fair
valuation of the property.

There is also the deed itself, by which John B. Stinson
actually conveys the property to said Trustees, stating in ex-
act language: "To the Trustees of the Presbyterian church
and congregation."

The building contracts specify that the church to be
built is to be a "Presbyterian Meeting House." The mason's
contract, dated January 14th, 1832, reads as follows :

"It is agreed between Amos Clark, Wm. Olmsted and
Alason Warner, Trustees of the Evansville Presbyterian
church and congregation of the one part, and John H. Camp-
bell of the other part as follows, to-wit : The said Trustees
agree to furnish brick, lime and sand for building the walls
of the Presbyterian Meeting house, in Evansville."

Another contract dated April 17th ,1832, begins as fol-
lows:

"Article of agreement between James Ring of the one
part, and the Trustees of the Presbyterian church and their
successors on the other part, witnesseth that the said Ring
agrees to frame the timbers and put on the roof of the Pres-

byterian Meeting house now building in Evansville;" and
the following receipt shows that the brick were also pro-
vided :

"Received Evansville, October 26th, 1831, of A. War-
ner, Trustee, for the Evansville Presbyterian church and
congregation in Evansville, one hundred and seventy-seven
dollars sixty -two and a half cents, for which I have delivered
s'd Warner and the other Trustees a kiln of brick, in the
town of Evansville, supposed to be 65 thousand, and bind
myself to make that amount up by the first day of May next,,
should they fall short.

Barney Cody."

CHAPTER III.

From the foregoing papers it will be seen that the
church was fully designed to be a Presbyterian church.
When the subscription paper was actually in circulation,
those who solicited the donation were instructed by the Trus-
tees to say that when there were no Presbyterian services
in the church the use of it by any other Evangelical denom-
ination would be gladly granted, and this promise was ful-
filled and no instance can be referred to when it was re-
fused.

For six years after its erection other denominations
did use it more than the one to whom it belonged, as after
Mr. Butler left, the church was for some years without a
regular pastor. This gave rise to the idea, with some, that
it was a Union church, which was never the case, except
through courtesy and friendly feeling which always pre-
vailed with our pastors towards other denominations. Here
is a quotation from a sermon of our late, weJl beloved pas-
tor, McCarer, in speaking on the subject: "I remember the
words of the Master when he said : *A new commandment,
give I unto you that ye love one another.' I wish to dwell in
unity with all my brethren in Christ. And I say this more
cordially, because in calling to remembrance the former time
there arise before my vision scenes of blessed Christian in-
tercourse, and I love above any mere denominationalism,
all who bear the image of the Savior, and are thus members
of one spiritual body."

In speaking of the brethren who had frequently occu-
pied the pulpit of his church, he said : "Within these walls
our Methodist brethren often met, and we mingled with
them our sacrifice of praise and rejoicing."

The venerable Father WTieeler, whom many still re-
member, also Father Parrett, both godly men, whom every-
one honored, had their appointments for months together in
this house of worship. These two good men were both Eng-
lish, with a strong Yorkshire accent. Some persons will yet
remember the deep, sonorous tones of Father Wheeler's

voice when he prayed, as he never forgot to: "Hopen now
thy beneficent, and, hand pour (pronounced power) out thy
blessings hupon hus." His manner was so impressive, that
one felt the real presence of Him whom he addressed. He
frequently spoke of the Almighty as the great "High Ham."
His preaching was sound and spiritual, and his memory is
a precious boon.

The peaceful and benign face of Father Parrett comes
before me as he humbly and modestly rose in the pulpit,
and in the same low tone proceeded to read his text, and give
the heads and divisions of his subject. As he proceeded, he
became more enthusiastic, and in the close of his semion
was truly eloquent. His words were of peace and good will
to all.

Then there were the two Baptist brothers, John B. and
Benoni Stinson. The voice of the latter, one heard, would
never be forgotten. They were good men, but persons of
whom it might sometimes be said, that they had more reli-
gion than discretion. They were uneducated sons of toil,
and the vigorous efforts put forth through the week to fell
the trees and till the soil, extended into the services of Sab-
bath, and while the words of truth and righteousness were
delivered in stentorian voice, after the manner of many of
the preachers of that day, the gestures were most expressive.
The bible was taken up and laid down with great force, and
the pulpit pounded with excessive vehemence, which gave
an impressiveness to their sermons, which, to those accust-
omed to such preaching, was relished and approved. Their
religion was genuine, no doubt, for they were highly respect-
ed in the community. Devout ministers of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, also preached in the "Church on the
Hill," as it was called, and held their stated congregational
meetings there. Rev. Benjamin Hall, one of their best
preachers, was always welcomed by all denominations who
came to that church to hear him.

The building and completion of a church in those days,
was a great event, and the congregation was as proud and
happy as they held their first service in this humble edifice,
as those who now worship under frescoed ceilings, where
the light through memorial and stained glass windows
shines upon them.

CHAPTER IV.

The Church on the Hill stood on the highest elevation
in or about the place, being surrounded with forest trees,
and as much of the land was low, a good part of the year
found the water standing in pools in all directions; the
ground was just marsh most of the time. Where Strouse &
Bros, building on Second Street now stands, was the site of
the church, which can scarcely be realized, as the hill has
disappeared in the grading of the streets. It was of modest
dimensions, 30x50 feet, without the least attempt at orna-
mentation, and cost $1,300. The first set of seats were of
plank with part of the bark left on them, smoothed off on
one side and without backs ; large hickory sticks being driv-
en in for legs. After a while these were superseded by plain
pine seats, also without backs. The pulpit was a dry goods
box covered with green baire. Subsequently seats with
backs were introduced and a plain oblong pulpit took the
place of the dry goods box. It was paneled and painted
white, and so high that the good man who addressed the
congregation was completely obscured from view when he
took his seat, and his meditations could not be disturbed by
the eyes of anyone being upon him. When he rose up in
the pulpit he made a sort of a "Jack-in-the-box" appear-
ance, or, as one of the pastors said, *'he seemed to be sending
forth missiles of the Gospel from a stronger frontier block
house," but after a time this pulpit was relieved from duty,
and one more sightly filled its place. The edifice was light-
ed with tallow candles placed in an arrangement made by
the tinner, the back of which answered as a reflector, and
one was hung at each side of the large windows, where the
tallow dripped gracefully upon the window sill, where per-
sons leaned their elbows during service and found their
clothing ruined when they went home. The choir occupied
the long seats by the side of the pulpit.

The good people of New England had responded to the
call for aid, and those who had no money to give, gave some
article which they considered a luxury, that they could do

without. Articles of jewelry and bead reticules, which had
just come into style, costing from $5 to $12, were cheerfully
given by conscientious women and disposed of for money on
Mr. Butler's return. One of these reticules is still in exist-
ence. The whole amount collected in the East was $300,00,
which with the sum of the subscriptions was not sufficient
to clear the church of debt, and then as now the women came
to the rescue and through the instrumentality of sewing so-
cieties and fairs the money was raised by which the debt
was paid. The sewing society was a pleasant feature of
those days. The gentlemen became members and paid their
initiation fee, some in money, others in articles out of their
stores. Mr. Willard Carpenter paid his in ribbon, and there
was no end to the pin-cushions, needle-books, fancy aprons,
night-caps and genuine good articles that were sold at the
fairs. Ready made articles of clothing were kept always on
hand for sale at any time, which was a great convenience
and furnished quite a revenue. The society was also a be-
nevolent organization. If any one was ill or had sickness
in their family the ladies met and sewed for them, making
up their family clothing for the season, and if any sick or
destitute person came within the knowledge of the society,
goods were bought and made up for their families. The so-
ciety, while helping to pay the debt on the church, assisting
the poor and keeping up the current expenses of the church,
did not forget the Missionary cause, and in 1837 reached the
point of being able to send $30.00 to the American Board of
Foreign Missions, and in 1839 it sent $37.50. In 1840 the
sum contributed was $84.94 for which thanks were received
and an earnest appeal for a continuance of the interest in
the cause. But the calls at home next claimed our attention
and the contributions to that cause as a society ceased.

The Episcopailians, who had heretofore been members
of the society, formed one of their own and the funds on
hand at the time were divided with them.

These were the days of small things. There was very
little money in the country at that time. Trade was carried
on in a great measure by barter. While no one suffered
from want, the "picayunes" were very scarce, and people
paid their debts in what they had, if it happened to be any-
thing the creditor needed or could dispose of to advantage.
For instance, a person would take his pay in hoop-iron, sell
it for churns and swap the churns for groceries. Every one
had his own garden and raised his own fowls and meat, and
then families who raised more vegetables, poultry and grain

or had more butter or lard than they could use, would join
together and load a flat-boat for New Orleans, and after a
long, tedious voyage of the boat they would have coffee, su-
gar and molasses returned to them for what they had sent.
A comfortable living was thus secured, although luxuries
were scarce.

The most serious inconvenience the people sufl'ered was
the want of good water, the river water being all that could
be obtained till 1835, when the first cistern was built by Mr.
Ira French, who had bought the patent-right to build cis-
terns in this county. The cistern was built for Mr. John
Shanklin and held 200 barrels of water, which was consider-
ed the greatest luxury ever known in the place.

Before this time the water for drinking and cooking
purposes was kept in jars in the cedlar to cool and settle.
No ice or beer was to be had then either, and no one felt
the need of the latter.

These last few items are mentioned to show the great
changes that have taken place in Evansville since that time,
also why it seemed a much greater undertaking to build a
church then than it does now. One of our citizens gives
more now as one subscription than the whole cost of this
first Presbyterian Church.

CHAPTER V.

REV. CALVIN BUTLER.
The first Pastor of the First Church in Evansville.

In Chester, Pt., on August 23d, 1827, the Rev. Calvin
Butler was married to Miss Malvina French, and soon after
started as a missionary to a home in the West. Mr. Butler
had finished a College course at Middlebury, Vt., and gradu-
ated in Theology at Andover, Mass., Thedogical Seminary.
He was a thorough scholar, reading and translating seven
different languages, for which he found but little use in this
new country, where even the English language, as then spo-
ken in this region, was almost a new dialect to an educated
person. He was a man of uncommon energy and ability to
surmount obstacles. When we think of the hardships en-
dured by the early ministers in the West, the anxiety they
must have suffered, and compare their lives with those of
the more fortunate ministers of the present day, we may
truly think of the latter that "their lines have fallen to them
in pheasant places," and that- they are "carried to the skies
on flowery beds of ease."

At the time Mr. Butler came to the West there was no
public conveyance and no regular stage routes in the direc-
tion he wished to come, so he and his wife were obliged to
make the journey in a carriage of their own, bringing their
baggage with them, which consisted of only their clothing
and a library of valuable books, which, through much tribu-
lation, they managed to bring safely. The journey occupied
nine weeks and some parts of it was through forests where
the trees were only blazed to show the way, as there was
not travel enough to make a road, and often they were oblig-
ed to hew their way through the forests where the trees
had been blown down across the road, which rendered it
impassable. Reared amid the comforts and luxuries of a
New England home, the wife of this missionary had known
nothing of hardships, but bravely she bore the trip. She
was known to say that she shed tears but once in all these

Rev. Calvin Butler.

long nine weeks, which the journey occupied, and that was
once when her husband was chopping the way through the
woods. It was growing late and the fear of not reaching a
place of safety before dark made her nervous, as at that
time, the forests were not safe from wild beasts.

The field of labor to which Mr. Butler was appointed
on his first coming to the West comprised the two towns
of Vincennes and Princeton, preaching alternately every
two weeks at one of these places. His residence being at
Princeton he was obliged to make the trip to Vincennes on
horseback through all kinds of bad weather and bad roads
such as are found in new countries. He belonged to the Vin-
cennes Presbytery, and after preaching for three years in
the above named places he was appointed by that body to
preach in Evansville, to which place he removed with his
family. He bought a small tract of land, about twelve acres,
one mile from the center of town on the Princeton road,
where the first County asylum was afterward built, and
with his own hands, almost entirely, he erected for himself
a comfortable house. With cultivating his few acres of land,
keeping his own cow and poultry he managed with a very
small salary from the Missionary society and very slim con-
tributions from the people, to make a comfortable living.

Mr. Butler seemed particularly adapted to the position
in the new country, of establishing and encouraging church-
es in whatever new field he labored. He was cheerful and
hopeful under all discouragements that came in his way.
He was never known to make an engagement that was not
promptly fulfilled, and he spent hours in labor while others
were taking their ease. Industrious habits and punctual-
ity were strong features in his character. He educated one
of his sons at Crawfordsville College, Hon. John M. Butler,
of Indianapolis. He had also another son, Anson R. Butler,
who lives in De Witt, Iowa.

In 1834 Mr. Butler was appointed to take charge of
a church at Washington, Ind., to which place he removed,
and to his clerical duties he added thoseof a school he es-
tablished, which at that time was considered the best in the
state. He was much beloved and respected by his church
and congregation. A few years later he moved to Boon-
ville, Warrick County, Indiana, where he also did a good
work. From this place his excellent and lovely wife was
called to a better home. Her life had been all that a Chris-
tian's should be, kind and gentle, desiring more the comfort
and pleasure of those around her than her own, visiting the

sick, bringing words of consolation to the afflicted, cheering
every one with her presence wherever she went ; a pure and
useful life was exchanged for a blessed immortality.

Mr. Butler, in due course of time, formed a union with
another excellent woman. Miss Catherine Smith, of Boon-
ville, and with his family removed again to a place without
a church, a small town not far from St. Louis, where his last
work was to assist in establishing a church. After ten more
years of faithful and successful service he passed to his re-
ward.

REV. MR. M'AFEE.

After the year 1834 the church enjoyed, temporarily,
the preaching of Rev. Mr. McAfee, who was at the same
time laboring in Henderson, preaching there alternately
every two weeks. He was a young man who had just en-
tered the ministry. He preached excellent sermons, full of
fire and pathos. Life was fresh and bright to him and the
way to peace and happiness seemed easy and delightful. The
experience of after years may have made a change in his
views. He may have found that there were obstacles in the
way of a perfect life of which he had never dreamed, and
perhaps he found some system of theology by which these
obstacles could be overcome. But a knowledge of his his-
tory closed when his labors here ended. He seemed a de-
vout Christian, was a pleasant social companion and was
highly esteemed as a minister of the gospel. His home
was Elkton, Ky., and all efforts to hear from him have
proven futile. He has probably fulfilled his life's mission
and "rests from his labors." More than fifty years have
elapsed since he was in Evansville and it is doubtful if any-
one but the writer now remembers him. Will any one re-
member those of us who are now here, fifty years hence?

CHAPTER VI.

It will give the reader great pleasure to find an account
of the pastorate of the second minister of this church in
his own words. The days of his life having been prolonged
more than a decade past the "three-score years and ten,"
being at this time 82 years of age, a hearty, well preserved
man, vigorous in intellect and a living example of one who
has kept the commands of God, to whom the promise was
given, "that thy days may be long upon the land which the
Lord thy God hath given thee."

REV. JEREMIAH R. BARNES.

"In the fall of 1836 I landed with my wife in Evans-
ville, to spend the Sabbath, not knowing any one or whether
we should find preaching there. We were on our way to
Illinois to meet the expectations of a friend and supply an
open field there. I preached on the Sabbath in the little
brick church on the only hill in Evansville, about fifteen
feet above the level, and then the only house of worship
in the place, and indeed the only one nearer than Princeton,
a distance of twenty miles. The most notable thing about
this little church was the largeness of its windows, as if the
light of the sun and the free breezes were to be its first if
not its best endowment. The pulpit was a large dry goods
box, behind which I stood; the seats without cushions and
with only a stay for the shoulders, which were better cal-
culated to keep the hearers awake than the preachers voice.
The singing was more sincere and devout than artistic.
But the people seemed bright and interested in my sermon
and met me at the close of the services with cordiality and
we were soon no longer strangers. Learning who we were
and that we had come West to grow up with the people and
do good as we found opportunity, they urged us to cast in
our lot with them. The sisters soon gathered around my
wife and found that she had to a large extent the chief
glory of womanhood, the power to make warm friends and

^■""'^■•W'^SfM^^^

Rev. Jeremiah R. Barnes, in 1836.

keep them. The simple sincerely of her piety, the largeness
of her faith, together with her bright intelligence gained
the confidence and co-operation of all.

"The place at that time was indulging in large expec-
tations of growth and prosperity from the canal which was
in progress and was to terminate there. The population at
that date was supposed to be something over 2,000. The
back country was good, heavily timbered but not well set-
tled.

"There seemed to be lawyers and doctors enough for a
large city, their range for practice was wide and all seemed
to have enough to do, the roads in winter anything but in-
viting. My first knowledge of corduroy roads was gained
from one leading to Stringtown, which place had the ad-
vantage of being on a hill and not in a valley, but not out
of the mud, as the clay sub-soil found its way easily on top
in wet weather and made the bootblack a desirable insti-
tution.

"The cause of education was mostly in the hands of the
good Elder Chute, who was for some years the chief, if not
the only pedagogue. I was for some time the only resident
minister except Brother Parrett and Brother Wheeler, lo-
cal Methodist preachers, good Englishmen who did valu-
able service in the early days. The little brick church had
now become the gathering place for all denominations, who
took turns in edifying the people. Brother Hunter, a Cum-
berland Presbyterian minister was known as the chief "Son
of Thunder," and when he came all felt the need of larger
quarters. He was a grand camp meeting preacher and
made the woods resound.

"It was not long before other denominations found
places for regular worship and left us in full possession of
the church. 'Old Aunt Jenny,' a slave from Virginia, was
the sexton and the only colored person in the place. She
did very well, only when the long stove pipe swayed out of
line and sprung a leak then her white eyes and teeth showed
her in trouble. The pulpit that followed the dry goods box
was a primitive model and would bear all the pounding that
Brother Hunter could give it and afforded a good deal of
"stomping" ground. The Sunday school, after the varied
experiences common to new places, fell into the hands of
Brother Conrad Baker, and prospered fairly well.

"About the time of my coming to Evansville the strife
and controversies between the old and new school in the
Presbyterian church were at their height. As I had just
come from New Haven I was suspected of the New School

heresy. Some of the fathers in the Vincennes Presbytery
took sides against me, and without any trial of my opinions,
declared the pulpit at Evansville vacant and sent a brother
to notify the church and order the trustees to turn me out.
He came, was politely treated and when he had fulfilled his
mission he left. The earthquake only induced a little smoke
which soon passed away. The older members, those who
had built the church and paid all that had been paid on it,
still declared me their pastor — that my dismissal had been
without a hearing and unconstitutional and that no change
should be made, and directed the sexton to open the doors
and I preached as usual. Whatever belief or doctrine I
held to be true, the Trustees and Elders agreed that they
corresponded with theirs, and the church was declared New
School.

"The next season I went to the Salem Presbytery and
was cordially received, and they sent a brother to install me
in 1838. There were a few persons who had only been in
the place a short time and joined the church, who held what
were called Old School views who were dissatisfied with the
state of things, and they in due time secured an organiza-
tion of their own, which seemed at the time quite unneces-
sary, but the rapid growth of the city has developed the
fact that their services have been needed and that they have
accomplished more good work than could have been done by
one church alone however united. Since the action of the
General Assembly we rejoice to feel that the chasm has dis-
appeared across which the Old and New School shook hands.
I had not been long in the city before I discovered many
evidences that the laws of social morality had not been
strictly regarded. The socialism and infidelity at New Har-
mony had scattered the seeds of evil like thistle down into
every neighborhood, and many of the most influential men
of the region had given their example on the wrong side.
I felt that the Gospel of the Seventh commandment was
eminently needed to save the foundations of society and all
the best interests of Christian civilization. I gave previous
notice that I would preach on the subject. Many of my
friends feared that I was stepping on a magazine that
would let me down and destroy my influence. The house
was crowded, but the women of the church were none of
them present. The worst element of the place made a re-
quest that I would preach the same sermon again the next
Sabbath, and had planned to break up the meeting.

"I consented to preach. I went to some of the most in-
fluential ladies and told them the cause was their cause and

that I needed their presence and sanction. A goodly num-
ber came the next Sabbath, and to a full house I repeated
all I had said before and with greater force. There was not
a ripple of disturbance, but profound attention to the end.
Some were asked why they did not carry out their pro-
gramme. They said "they did not see any place where they
could begin." One of my best friends, a graduate of Yale
College, said that if President Dwight were present to
preach on such a subject he might do some good, but for a
young man just from the Seminary it was a hazardous un-
dertaking. But I concluded that as Dr. Dwight was not
there and I was, duty called me to do the best I could. I
felt that I could appeal safely to men who had enjoyed early
religious training in other lands and to the scions of old Pu-
ritan stock. I referred them to the dear homes that gave
them birth, to protect the sacred honor of their family and
give their influence and practice in favor of all that is noble
and pure in life. I have always rejoiced that I had the
faithfulness to speak the right word at the right time leav-
ing all the results with God, which were, as far as known,
very satisfactory. Other ministers echoed the trumpet I
had sounded, and the best public opinion was henceforth on
the side of social virtue.

"After our Methodist brethren had completed their
church, the noted John Newland Maffit came and held a re-
vival meeting, and by his eloquence gathered into their fold
over two hundred, and in two years time there were but two
persons who remained in the church, all having joined on
probation, giving evidence of being true Christians by a bet-
ter life, and it was seen that these persons had been regular
attendants on divine worship and under bible instruction.
The Cumberland brethern were devoted and full of zeal,
and by their camp meetings and occassional preaching in
town and at other places, had a measure of success.

"Brother Laman of the Episcopal church was a devoted
Christian and soon succeeded in securing a good church and
congregation. As population increased the cause of educa-
tion became more important. Several good teachers had
met with success. As my second wife had been a successful
teacher in a Seminary, I was encouraged to build a house
which would accomodate my little family and aff'ord room
for a school for young ladies. This was done, and my pupils
will remember through life the gentle ways of their teacher,
her earnest morals and religious instructions. It was a dif-
ficult matter for her to take the place of the first Mrs.
Barnes in the hearts of the people, but she did so and
formed many life long friendships that will be renewed and

grow brighter in heaven.

"In time Public schools were established which made
private enterprise less important except in the depart-
ments of higher education for which the Colleges and Sem-
inaries of the land provide. It was always gratifying to us
to feel that we were sowing the seed and laying foundations
in our new and great country that God would sooner or later
employ for His own glory and the triumph of his Kingdom.
We had all the compensation we expected in the days of
comparitively small things. I was settled on a salary of
$600, which, though not fully paid, proved enough with
hard work and economy to meet our necessities and left
some property we bought at a low figure, which at the end
of the nine years, when we left Evansville, had risen much
in value. I have been rejoiced to hear from time to time of
the Church, where I began my first labors, and of the
growth of the city. Very few of my early friends and fellow
-workers are left to thank God for what they see and to
pray for greater things to come. But, Oh, the joy when we
shall join the dear ones gone before! 'and see how the little
one has become a thousand and a small one a strong na-
tion.' "

The above account of the pastorate of the Rev. J. R.
Barnes is full and preserves a record of some of the most
important events that ever occured in the Church. His min-
istry was very successful, turning the tide of public opinion
decidedly against vice in all its forms and giving it a check
it had never before received. Card playing and drinking
had no longer any open defenders among those who indulged
in these practices, and people were willing to listen to ser-
mons against these evils.

Mr. Barnes was born in Southhampton, Conn., and was
a graduate of Yale College, and studied for the ministry at
the same College. Mrs. Barnes, who came to Evansville
with her husband, lived only about a year after coming to
the place and left one son, Charles S. Barnes, now of Chica-
go, partner in the well known publishing house of A. S.
Barnes & Co.

All that Mr. Barnes says of his wife is true, and much
more that is good might be said. As she is remembered, she
was a perfect type of excellence, combining all the good
qualities of her who "sat at Jesus' feet," with the best traits
of the sister "who was careful about many things," though
the cares of life never gave her any trouble — the privations

and inconveniences of a new country never disturbed her
placid and happy disposition. Her duties, of which she had
many, were all dilligently performed and seemed a pleasure
to her. Her religion was of an exalted kind, she seemed to
find Heaven upon earth, every act of her life savored of
grace, and she was well prepared for the Heavenly home to
which she was so soon to be called.

The building occupied as a Seminary which Mr. Barnes
built, stood on the corner of Chestnut and Third, and is now
occupied by Mrs. Gillison Maghee.

Leaving Evansville, Mr. Barnes, beloved and respect-
ed by all who knew him, sought another field of labor in
Minnesota, where he organized several churches and was al-
so influential in establishing a College under the patronage
of a church he founded.

After living twenty-six years in Minnesota he retired
from active service and made his home in Marrietta, Ohio,
with his relatives and friends. At this place he celebrated
his Golden wedding. Shortly after he was bereaved of his
excellent companion, and in 1880 returned to Evansville and
married one of his former parishioners, Mrs. Eliz. T. Drew,
who had been for many years a prominent and honored
member of Walnut Street Church. There is something a
little romantic and also pathetic in the union of these
friends of long ago. Their home in childhood was in New
Haven, Conn. The middle of their life was spent in Evans-
ville, and after being widely separated for years they re-
turned to the home of their younger days, and as the shades
of evening seemed to gather over their pathway of life, the
old time friends united their destinies, determined to cheer
and encourage each other till the end of their journey, where
the reward of an honest and useful life will fall to the lot
of each.

The marriage of the venerable couple was celebrated
at Walnut Street Church in the presence of many witnesses
and warm friends, and was propably the most memorable
wedding that has ever taken place there, owing to the ad-
vanced age of the couple, the groom having two years passed
the fourscore mile-stone, and the bride being but a few
years his junior. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes now reside in Mar-
rietta, Ohio, where they expect to pass their remaining days.
Borne safely on the stream of time past all the storms and
quicksands of life they peacefully await the summons to the
haven of Heavenly rest.

CHAPTER VIL

This history of the church would not be complete with-
out mention being made of some of its prominent mem-
bers. There were some of the loveliest type of Christian
men and women in the church in its earliest days, that
through the period of more than half a century, it has ever
been the writer's privilege to know. In saying this it may
also be said that the mantle of these good people has fallen
on some of those who now occupy places they once filled and
no greater inheritance on earth could be desired than they
possess.

JUDGE WILLIAM OLMSTED.

Of Honored and Blessed Memory.

His name was for many years a
household word in all the families where
he was known. He was one of the earli-
est settlers in this country, having come
here in 1817. He was an old man in
1834, and the writer can never forget
the cordial greeting he gave to the new-
comer to a Western home. He was an
educated man, was born in the state of
New York, and with his talents and
piety he was a host in this new country.
He was Judge of the Court, and his opin-
ion on all matters of interest was sought and it had a pow-
erful influence. He was an Elder in the church for many
years, and he was foremost in every thing that was for the
good of the community in which he lived. On coming to
the country he took up a large tract of Government land on
Pigeon Creek and built a primitive double log-cabin, which
was always a pleasant and desirable place to visit. His wife
was an old-time gentlewoman and an excellent wife, who
"looketh well to the ways of her household," and the royal
cheer of that hospitable home was a great attraction as well

as the genial welcome that was extended by the old Judge
to his numerous friends. His pleasant stories of early times
in these Western wilds were a source of great enjoyment to
his young listeners to whom he was particularly agreeable.
His decendants may well be proud of their venerable ances-
tor. He died in 1865.

DANIEL CHUTE,

Elder of Wabnd Street Church.

"Father Chute," as he w^as famili-
arly called, was another of the faithful
who deserves to be mentioned. His
daily walk and conversation was such
as to make him honored and remem-
bered by all who knew him.

Mr Daniel Chute was the first El-
der of the church and was a man of
small stature, but like Daniel of old,
though not called upon to encounter a
den of lions, his courage at one time was
brought forth in such a way to make
him ever after renowned for bravery with those who knew
the circumstances in which he was placed.

At the time of the division of the Presbyterian church
into Old and New school, "Father Chute," as an Elder, at-
tended the Vincennes Presbytery, and in the language of a
beloved pastor, the incident is given : to question the Pres-
byterianism of Daniel Chute was like questioning the Pres-
byterianism of John Calvin himself." Mr. Chute loved the
doctrines of the church and loved the polity of the church,
and when the Vincennes Presbytery turned its rebuke upon
him it was not for heresy — it dared not do that — it was for
not approving the excinding act of 1837 and because he was
not willing to accord with the almost unanimous vote of the
Presbytery thanking the great Head of the church that the
once united church in our land was divided." In the face
of all this opposition he dared boldly to stand up in defence
of his own principles, which at this late day and in view of
the reunion that has since taken place shine out in their
true light. With a prophetic eye he saw without doubt the
harsh and unkind feelings such a separation among old time
friends might engender, and his kind heart rebelled against
such estrangement, and the wisdom of his judgment and
right feeling in this matter will always be respected and ap-
proved. It is to be hoped that the brotherhood will never

again be disturbed by such dissension and we shall see how
these Christians "love one another."

This good man, like Eli of old, had his trials. His ex-
ample was always all that it should have been before his
family, gentle and kind and in the simplicity of his heart
and true faith he dedicated his children to God with im-
plicit faith that He to whom he confided all his dearest in-
terests would in His own good time gather them into his
fold. With the memory of that blessed father they ought,
with grateful hearts for such a parent, to devote the remain-
ing days of their life to the service of Him whom their
father loved and served. His daughters were exemplary
women. His youngest, Miss Charlotte Chute, married Gov-
ernor Baker, who was a prominent member of Walnut
Street Church. "Father Chute' for many years led the choir
and, though time somewhat changed the melody of his voice,
he always pitched the tune, and he is without doubt singing
with the Seraphs today.

CHAPTER VIIL

REV. SAMUEL K. SNEED.

Rev. Samuel K. Sneed became pastor of the church in
1846, remaining until 1848.

He was an earnest and faithful preacher, never failing
to declare the whole counsel of God in no unmistakable
terms, telling the sinner and reprobate what would become
of them if they did not make haste to "flee from the wrath
to come." He quoted his Master's words to them, calling
them a "generation of vipers," "children of the devil." He
could describe all the wicked feelings of the human heart,
more perhaps than a great many of the people of his church
ever heard about or experienced. In fact he had a very poor
opinion of human nature generally. His sermons made an
impression upon the hearer than could never be forgotten.
There was more that could be remembered in them than
in most discourses one hears. He was careful to impress
everyone with the idea that the soul of a rich man was no
more value in the sight of God than that of a poorman,and
the oft repeated text, "your sin will find you out," went
straight to the conscience of the hearer.

His explanation of faith was new and impressive. The
Christians' faith he compared to a man walking in the dark
with a lantern. It did not give him light beyond a certain
distance. When that point was reached the light still shone
as far beyond as it had done before. So the person who
walks by faith just goes by the light given him from above,
knowing that for all his journey his light will be sure, guid-
ing his footsteps as he needs it till he reaches his home in
Heaven.

In the lives of good and pious men there are sometimes
amusing incidents, and the reader will perhaps excuse the
relation of such a one, as this book is not purely a religious
one. Mr. Sneed was a man of uncommonly nervous temper-
ament and he sometimes found himself in circumstances
where it was exceedingly hard to control his nervousness. A
very funny incident occurred one Sabbath during service,

which will ilkistrate how much one may suffer from that
cause. During the service a dog, which had perhaps fol-
lowed his country owner to church, remained outside, and as
time seemed to pass wearily to him waiting for his master,
he began to bark in a most furious manner. The parson's
face grew red — and redder. He cleared his throat and used
his handkerchief in a most sonorous manner and seemed
to lose the thread of his discourse, and as he found himself
less and less able to recover from the annoyance, he said :
"Brother Orr, will you please see if any arrangement can be
laade for the accommodation of that dog."

The good brother went down the aisle in the most quiet
manner possible, and whether he read the riot act or the
commandments to the dog or not we never knew. The noise,
however, subsided and the excitement ceased.

Mr. Sneed had been reared in affluence in a slave state,
and the close economy and comparatively straightened cir-
cumstances of an Indiana preacher were very unsuited to his
taste or requirements. He was really a pious man, but he
often confessed with sorrow that he was obliged to wage
a continual warfare with the old natural self that was still
in him. He was an excellent pastor, sympathizing with the
afflicted, dispensing the consolations of religion to the sick
and distressed at all times and seasons.

REV. E. A. LORD.

The Rev. Mr. Lord took charge of the church in 1848
and remained until 1849.

He was a young man, earnest and faithful and very am-
bitious to see the church prosperous and he knew enough of
human nature and the world at large to know that success
was sure to attend even the appearance of prosperity, and
it was through his influence that the little primitive Church
on the Hill was improved. The particular object which he
seemed most desirous to accomplish was the removal of the
gable-end of the church and extending its dimensions, but
for some reason, probably the want of funds, the church was
only remodeled in the interior. The portico was prefixed
and the small belfry with a neat spire surmounting it. A
bell was introduced and, sixteen years after the erection
of the building

"The sound of the Church going bell
These valleys , and rocks never heard."

1167652

now rung out in silvery tones, calling the people to the wor-
ship of the living and true God. The taking out of the gable-
end of the church which Mr. Lord so devoutly desired, was
reserved for the good Pastor McCarer's day. In 1851, the
church then being quite too small to accommodate the grow-
ing congregation, it was extended twenty-nine feet, and the
little gallery occupied by the choir was introduced, which
increased the capacity of the church in a very satisfactory
manner.

Rev. Mr. Lord preached very fine seraions, he was a
thorough student and gave most of his time to his books.
His visits, as a pastor, were not considered as necessary
by him as good, strengthening, spiritual food for his con-
gregation. His placid countenance showed peace of mind
and contentment, the world never failed to look bright to
him. This conclusion was arrived at by the fact that when-
ever he made a visit he never failed to make the same re-
mark. After greeting his friends in the usual manner, he
always said: "It's very fine today." This he was known to
have said when it was even raining. His mind always
seemed to be upon subjects on which he failed to speak in
social intercourse; in other words he was absent minded,
but his seiTnons indicated thought and study which were
highly creditable to him. His ministrations were rewarded
by the interest taken in improving the church, and the ad-
ditions to its number of members during his stay, which
was only about one year. He removed to New York and
very little is since known of him, except that like the man in
the old times who was bidden to a feast and could not come,
he had "married a wife."

,^*^«^^'

J^^ 1^!

^^ftl >'^-^

REV. WM. H. M CARER.

CHAPTER IX.

REV. WM. H. M'CARER.

The next minister who filled the pulpit of the "Little
Church on the Hill" was the Rev, W. H. McCarer. He con-
tinued to be a most acceptable pastor for eighteen years and
a half, and as all his words now seem to those who knew and
loved him "like apples of gold in pictures of silver," a ser-
mon of his appears on the next page, which was delivered
in the First Avenue Church after he dissolved his connec-
tion with the Walnut Street Church, and it was afterwards
repeated by request in the church of which he had formerly
been pastor.

"This discourse reviews his thirty years' service in
this city and is replete with reminiscences of great inter-
est to the reader and is full of pathetic reflections."

Sermon by Rev. W. H. McCarver.

Also, now, behold, my witness is in Heaven, and my record is on high

— [Job 16; 19.]

On the last Saturday evening of the month of October,
1849, with my wife and three children, I landed at your
wharf; and on the next morning, 28th day of October, the
Sabbath, began my public ministry, as pastor-elect of the old
Presbyterian Church, whose edifice was called then by the
old residents, by the various epithets: "Church in the
Woods," "Church on the Hill,' and "Little brick Church," oc-
cupied a site on Second street, where are now located the
offices of the Demokrat and Courier. It was still "on the
Hill," but the street was graded some ten feet below, so that
the place of worship was reached by flights of stairs on
either side, admitting you to a pillared portico, which was
surmounted by a pretty spire, neither of any special preten-
tions, and yet giving some conspicuousness to this temple
of the Lord.

As our boat neared the wharf, the sun had just hid-
den itself beneath the crimson West, and the bell of the little

'X-'^C

\rr

i>^^^:

I 1

■I'-

Little Church on the Hill.

spire was chiming its evening call, and, to the question of
my young wife, "what bell is that?" my answer was, "that
is our bell calling the choir together for rehearsal."

I wish I could give the history of that choir.*

By invitation of the church I had spent some three
weeks in the city in the spring of the year, which visit led
the church to extend me a call to become its permanent pas-
tor, the delay to entering immediately upon my work being
determined by prudential considerations connected with the
health of my family.

There is a popular impression that the time of my com-
ing here marked my ordination to the ministry. This is not
so ; for six years and a half previously "I dwelt among mine
own people," constituting one of the strongest rural con-
gregations within the boundaries of the Philadelphia Pres-
bytery.

It may not be amiss here to say that the correspondence
which resulted in my settlement in the West was carried on
by Ex-Governor Baker. My name had been suggested to
the church by the distinguished Albert Barnes, whom I had
known from my youth, and who recommended me to the
church.

Governor Baker was the first man to take me by the
hand when I stepped upon the shore of your city, inviting
me to his humble cottage — still standing in its simplicity,
but the flowers and woodbine gone with her who twined
them and made it a home of beauty. There I ate my first
meal, being subsequently entertained by Mr. Samuel Orr and
his excellent family. These two men — I name it with pride
and gratitude — were among my first friends, and they have
been among the finest and best friends I ever expect to have
on earth.

Well do I remember the smiles of that beautiful Sab-
bath morning, that, together with the smiles of my people,
gave me a welcome to my work. This work began by mak-
ing my way first to the Sabbath School, where I announced
to the children that I had come to be their pastor, and then,

*It is deserving- of mention that it was then, and for years after.,
under the conduct of the late Col. C. K. Drew, of the old Exchang-e, on
Lower First street; where, in its then seemingly spacious Dining Room,
nearly all the Churches of the city, through the generosity of "mine
host," held numerous festivals and concerts.

Colonel Drew's son was then quite young, but presided over the Me-
lodeon, and for years after entering the larger edifice, he was Church
organist. For services during the war he was brevetted, and is now
known as his father was, as Colonel C. K. Drew, being still, with his
accomplished wife, members of the Church and efficient members of the
Choir. Thirty years in this good service of the Sanctuary.

afterward, to the general congregation, where I delivered
my inaugural discourse from the text: "For I determined
not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and
Him crucified," and here, after these many checkered years,
T find myself meditating the inquiry that has protruded it-
self a thousand times — "Have I been faithful to my avowal
and my pledge? Have I sought to know, among the people
of this city, nothing but Jesus and Him crucified?" As I
ponder the simple but momentous question, I am silent, re-
membering that God only knows — that the One only infal-
lible witness is in Heaven — that the only infallible record is
on high.

It were natural, and if there were time, it would be in-
teresting to dwell upon what the city then was, its dimen-
sions, its appearance, and this in contrast with its present
showing.

It was then a city of perhaps less than 6,000 inhabi-
tants. It was seemingly "in transitu," and from being a
somewhat pretentious village, with some little notoriety,
was stepping forward to challenge a place among the stal-
wart cities of the State. Its proportions and weight were
very modest. It had a quadrisected square, at one intersec-
tion of which was a little green Court House, at another a
wooden jail building with its annexed Sheriff's residence
(Mr. Terry its occupant.) Opposite the Court House was
a diminutive market house and just as diminutive a school
edifice, and the remaining fourth, where the Court House
now stands, was, I think, the resort or stand for country
wagons.

Our noble wharf — with no superior along the whole
Ohio's length — was just completed, the grading of the con-
tiguous streets in progress. Telegraphic communication, I
think, had just been established with Louisville, and as yet a
novelty. There was no railroad, but the construction of one
I think, to Mt. Carmel via Princeton, was enthusiastically
discussed. But the consummation most devoutly wished for
of all things was the canal ; that was to make all things new
and particularly great, and our city metropolitan. There
was but one railroad in all the State, from Madison to In-
dianapolis.

If we except the old warehouse on Water street, below
Pine, there were but three buildings at all conspicuous. The
State Bank, still standing on Main street, and the then im-
posing brick residence of Hon. Willard Carpenter, not fully
completed, and with a deep slough between it and the main

portion of the city; and that now known as Barnes' resi-
dence on Water street, contiguous to Sunset Park. These
large buildings, at that time among the humble dwellings
and cottages around, had a very formidable appearance.

The city was indeed of contracted and indefinite extent.
There was but little of it beyond Third and Fourth streets
from the river. Where you now go to the depot of the E.
& T. H. R. R., you then went to the country, although very
near to the now depot, stood the folly and failure, entitled
at that time, "The Bulls' Head Tavern," in that part of the
city entering upon Main, and a few blocks thereupon 1 still
meet with old "land marks,' but practically, I can say I have
seen the whole city rebuilt and built. Of the old part the then
old buildings have given place to new, and where there was
nothing, we have now either massive buildings for com-
merce and manufacturing, palatial homes or multitudinous
cottages. The church buildings were all small and of simple
style. The most pretentious so far as an attempt at church
ai'chitecture proper is concerned, was the building known as
Viele Hall. And there were only eight of these plain struc-
tures— one of them only still used for divine worship, though
greatly transformed — St. Paul's Episcopal Church, corner
of First and Chestnut streets.* I now call to mind twenty-
eight new church edifices that have been dedicated to public
worship since my coming, and in the consecration of not a
few of which I have taken some formal or informal part.

Only two clergymen beside myself, who were here in
1849, are here now. Rev. J. V. Dodge had just then dissolved
his connection with the Vine Street Church, of wnich he v/as
the first and for some ten years the very acceptable pastor.
Rev. J, A. Saupert, of the German Lutheran Chui'ch is the
oldest resident pastor in Evansville. He was on the ground
when I came.

A few words as to the then state of religion and the
work of evangelism and reform at that early date.

The church of which I became pastor, now the Walnut
Street Church, was small in numbers, perhaps not more
than thirty actual members, but a most sterling and faithful
nucleus to commence with. The church had been in exist-
ence twenty-eight years. We had, with the church and con-
gregation, such men as Ex-Governor Baker, John Shanklin,
Dr. Wilcox, Dr. Morgan, Daniel Chute, Judge Olmstead, Dr.
Lindley, Myron Safford, Alanson Warner, General James E.

*Where this church stood is now a new and elegant church. — 1891.
41

Blythe, J. H. Maghee, Judge Battell and Judge Matthew Fos-
ter.

It is the impression that the last few years have been
marked by a surprising breaking down of denominational
prejudices. Yet 1 bear witness of no such prejudice when I
came among the Christian people of Evansville. I found
confiding Christian sympathy in all the denominations, and
there was earnest co-working on the part of all. Practically,
the feeling was, "let us help one another."

This was exhibited in a marked degree in social and
religious gatherings and entertainments at which, so general
was the gathering together, that no matter which church
spread the banquet, it was a puzzle to know which was the
most fully represented by its good people. Christians then
made common cause with one another. You "beheld how
good and how pleasant it was for brethren to dwell together
in unity."

There was an epoch in the temperance work thirty
years ago. A large part of the sterling men of the city were
active "Sons of Temperance," holding at the time very live
meetings. The youth of the city were organized into "Ca-
dets of Temperance." Foremost amongst the earnest pro-
moters of these youthful clans was the late John Ingle, Jr.,
president of the E. & C. R. R. Popular monthly meetings
were held, with never a lack of speakers, in the old Locust
Street Church, and in my own, where the enthusiasm was
often hardly less than is now witnessed in our Red Ribbon
Halls. How I should love to have the walls of old Locust
Street re-echo the fiery eloquence that thundered from some
of the Nestros of that day!*

Nor was there a lack of zeal in Sunday School work.
The ideal school of today throws the school of former years
into insignificance, but twenty-six or twenty-eight years ago
m this city a larger proportion of the children of outsiders
were in our schools than are to be found there today. I
know what I say.

For several years monthly meetings were held and by a
system practically carried out, committees semi-annually

*As an evidence that, at an early date, the friends of temperance
had some earnestness and not a little pluck, it is worthy of commem-
oration that on an election day, the friends of one of the ciindid.-i t is pro-
cured a barrel of whisky, and knocking- in the head and siipiil \ ing a
suitable supply of tin cups, advertised to the free voters in Kcn.ial and
the friends of their candidate in particular that there \vas not only a
supply of tickets but of free w^hisky. also, .John Ingle, Jr.. the moment
he heard it, declai'ed that that thing should not be, and, fortliwith started
for the barrel, and with the help of a friend or two, emptied its contents
upon the ground amid the plaudits of the friends of temperance, and the
ang-er and chagrin of its enemies.

canvassed the whole city with the intent to bring the very
least child into some one of our schools, and not a few Chris-
tian workers remember the golden age of our mission
schools, memorable in Crescent City Hall, and which had its
culmination a dozen years ago. Who go now into the deso-
late homes and tenants of our city?

I have seen the whole of our beautiful common school
system germinate, bud, blossom and bring forth its benefi-
cent fruit. There was no public school system when I came.
The present system was inaugurated in 1853, having for its
chief champion and as worthy of all honor for grading it
to its proud rank, Horatio Q. Wheeler, Esq. — soon seconded
as worthy coadjutor, by the Hon. Wm. Baker, for many
years the Mayor of the city.

But many think it time to refer to my own special work
as a minister of Christ. In the third year of my ministry
God so greatly prospered us that it was deemed necessary
to enlarge our habitation, which to me then seemed as David
expressed it, "The Habitation of His Holiness; that place
where His Honor dwelleth."

The rear gable end of the building was removed and so
extended that with the construction of a small organ gallery
we had additional seating of at least one-third more. The
growth of the church continued to be healthy and substan-
tial. In the winter of 1856-7 a marked revival was enjoyed
and many valuable additions to the church received. Two
years after there was another season of awakening and re-
freshing.

In 1859 the church decided upon the erection of a new
edifice. The foundations were then laid, and in March, 1860,
the "Church on the Hill," was no more, its venerable walls
were removed, a few of the brick, however, sacredly pre-
served and lovingly incorporated in the new building on
Walnut and Second streets.

The memorial discourse, the last pronounced in the
pioneer church, was published and is now in possession of
some of the older members of the church.

The convenient basement of the then new building was
entered on the first Sunday of February, 1861. It was a
season of deep religious interest throughout the city dur-
ing the winter, though, at that time, the excess of interest
was abated. It was one of the most remarkable works of
grace known in the city. It commenced in the Locust Street
M. E. Church, under God, through its pastor. Rev. Dr. Gil-
lett, who seemed especially raised up and qualified from on

high for that great event. The Wahiut Street Church came
in for its share of the blessing, and some sixty persons were
then added to it, at its first communion in the new base-
ment. The two years between 1861 and 1863 were spent
in persistent effort to complete the edifice, and, on Febru-
ary 7th, 1864, the Rev. Dr. Tuttle, of Crawfordsville,
preaching the discourse, the building was dedicated to the
worship of the triune God, with thanksgiving, and the
voice of melody.

Five years longer I went in and out among my people,
breaking unto them the word of life as I was able, at the
end of which time I was led to the conclusion that my re-
tirement from the pastorate was expedient, and I announced
publicly that, at the next meeting of the Presbytery I would
ask to be rtired. The Presbytery consented to my request,
and in April, 1868, after serving the church eighteen years
and six months, my pastorate ceased, my pupit was decared
vacant and my official connection with the people of Walnut
Street at an end.

How quicky then thronged the memories of those eigh-
teen years and more of the best years given to men, Yeais
of ardor and the strength of one's manhood, and to me nat-
urally embracing the chiefest of the work of my life. It
was then I called to remembrance the years that were past,
and there was forced upon my hearing what others did not
hear — a voice that said: "Right Blessed are the dead that
die in the Lord from henceforth ; Yea, saith the spirit, for
they rest from their labors and their works do follow
them."

And I said to myself, through divine grace I hope to
"die in the Lord." As to the resting from labor, I have
never concerned myself much, for I have loved to work for
the Master, and His yoke has never been grievous. But
when I die — I said to myself — what will be the result of this
very considerable portion of the best days of my life. Will
my work follow me? Will anything remain for the genera-
tions to come? Will the seed that I often went forth weep-
ing, scattering it here and there, will any of it remain and
will it go on unfolding and unfolding harvest after harvest,
so that, in the evening, I shall come rejoicing, bringing some
of the sheaves with me ?

My heart's desire and prayer to God is that the Wal-
nut Street Church may arise and shine and that the beauty
of the Lord may ever be upon her.

There are now some of my dearest brethren and
friends, and from thence have gone many who are now en-

tered into rest, having been cordial co-laborers with me, and
toward whom I feel that I am moving, and with whom I
shall take sweet counsel and talk of the loves and labors of
the past. Sweet will be the greeting when we meet to see
each other there, "knowing as we are known," to sit down
in the Kingdom of our Father hereafter.

Shortly after my retirement in 1868, I was appointed
one of the Secretaries of the American and Foreign Chris-
tian Union, traveling in the interest of its Missionary work.
But in the spring of 1874, some of my friends urged upon
my acceptance the pastorate of the Second Avenue Mission
Work. I accepted it. Without detaining- you here, you know
matters led to a new organization, with a chang-e of loca-
tion and the erection of this new and beautiful building, che
First Avenue Church, which we are now seeking to put upon
an enduring foundation, so that it may be to the people of
this part of our city a fountain of good for years and years
to come.

But here a few reflections as to the manner and matter
of my life among you, and my convictions of what is the best
way of making the Gospel a power through the churches
and its ministry.

As to the manner of my life, I think I can honestly say
I have sought to be a true man, faithful in my calling, and
ever ready to be to all the people, "their servant for Jesus'
sake." I have aimed at all times and under all circumstances
to stand up for the truth, and to stand up for the right. I
have never laid aside the Gospel trumpet, and never know-
ingly given it an uncertain sound. I have worked in season
and out of season, in my own church and as called upon in
other churches, and among those who were of no church
and as sheep without a shepherd. I have hastened to the
call of the sick and dying at midnight as well as at mid-day.
I have gone with the poor and with the rich, mid-winter
cold and summer heat, saying now, with due consideration,
that in no case have I ever declined to speak for the truth or
to visit the sick, or to attend funerals when I was able. Yea,
and that I have often gone beyond my strength, and gone
with joy.

As to my preaching and my utterances for Christ's
cause, it has been all the time the "old, old story." It has
been Christ and Him crucified. I have had defined and posi-
tive convictions of truth, and he is not a man who has not,
and I have expressed my convictions, giving a reason of the
hope that was in me. I have had my creed, not formulated

from my own or any body else's philosophy, or after the wis-
dom of the world, but according to the Word of God. I
have never been inclined to preach other than the words
of truth as found in the Bible. The symbols of my denom-
ination I love, and I accepted and adopted them cheerfully
and voluntarily, ever and only interpreting them by the
Word and not the Word by the symbols. From the begin-
ning of my ministry I have held that doctrines and princi-
ples of my denomination spiritually set forth, do most high-
ly exalt God in his authority over men, and that they devel-
op and foster righteousness, justice, truth and sincere liber-
ty and good will in society, and that in setting them forth
as a minister, I was working to lead men nearer to Heaven,
and aided in promoting the earthly interests of the com-
munity that I have long learned to love.

And this allusion leads me to believe that while I have
been emphatic and positive in preaching my honest indi-
vidual belief, my fellow Christians, who differ from me in
certain points of doctrine and principles, will bear me wit-
ness that I have never made myself offensive or unready to
co-operate in the common work of the common salvation.
In building up my own denominational work, I have not
depreciated the work of others. If I have had little ability
to raise mortal to the skies, I have had none of the spirit
to drag angels down.

Thirty years of preaching, and I have yet to preach my
first controversial sermon. There has been no sectarianism
in my heart, no bitterness in my thought, no intolerance on
my tongue. I have labored in all the denominations, and
this was particularly so during the earlier days of my min-
istry when our mutual needs were greater. By kindly in-
vitation (and I think acceptable,) I ministered in homes of
affliction and bereavement. I have been widely among peo-
ple in times of gladness and sorrow, at the cradle and at
the coffin, at the bridal and at the burial ; at the alter and
at the bier; weeping with those that wept and rejoicing with
those that rejoiced.

I cannot recount the number of baptismal and wedding
ceremonies in which I have participated. I find parties to
these offices of mine everywhere over the city. I have bap-
tized children whose parents I had baptized in infancy, and
I have married parties whose parents I was privileged to
unite in holy wedlock. Children who were trained in my
first Sabbath School are now found in substantial depart-
ments of life in extensive business firms; found connected
with the press and the pulpit ; in office in the service of the

state, and in service of the United States. Two Superin-
tendents in this Church Sunday School, the present, and the
one who has just retired, and the present Superintendent
of the Wahiut Street School, were scholars in my earlier
school, and in my school of today, and as members of this
church are children of parents who as Sunday School chil-
dren listened to me thirty years ago.

Now, in hastening these reminiscences to a conclusion,
I am not here to deny or affirm, nor am I anxious to have
any opinion even offered as to how much my poor efforts
have aided, if at all, any of these in their life work or life
journey, or whether those efforts may help to exhibit them
at last as among the redeemed of the Lord when He com-
eth to make up His jewels. I am content to know that the
Master whom I serve is keeping the account and keeping
it correctly, and I know that he will, anyhow, give me bet-
ter than I deserve. Behold, my witness is in Heaven ; my
record is on high.

I had wanted very greatly in this memorial discourse
to speak particularly of a question that comes up naturally
and might be stated thus : After thirty years of labor and
observation, do you think that, as Christians and Churches,
we are improving in our ways of reaching men by the Gos-
pel, and our methods of practical work better, and is pure
Christianity increasing, and are the churches of the city
keeping pace with the progress of the city? A proper an-
swer would furnish theme for two discourses.

Our working for the extension of religion can never
be improved upon, unless in the main it leads men to see
that they are sinners, lost and condemned, and that they
must perish forever unless they repent and be converted.
Our Gospel must be the same Gospel preached at Pentecost
eighteen hundred years ago. We shall never save men by
representing them to be any better than lost in sin and under
God's just displeasure. Nor are we likely to extend a pure
and vigorous religion by lowering its claims or authority.

My long and deliberate conviction both as a worker and
a looker on, is that Christianity gains nothing by compro-
mises of any kind, nor by lowering her claims to suit the ex-
action of either pleasure loving professors or a pleasure
loving world. Christians must show that their religion is
a religion of happiness, and kindness and love, and that, so
far as they can do it without sacrifice of principles or duty,
they are "willing to be all things to all men that they may
by all means save some, doing it for the Gospel's sake.
These have been the views by which I have shaped my life

among you, and have sought to conform my church conduct,
say, as to church entertainments and matters of financial
need, where the usage is in the direction that "the end justi-
fies the means,' or "let us do just this little evil that good
may come." This is not a case where, if the mountain will
not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the moun-
tain. Without biterness or ill will, or fault finding, I have
withheld myself from all these things, and expressed my
fears as to their tendencies ; and never did I feel a stronger
conviction than I do at this moment that these things have
weakened and neutralized the moral power of the church,
and detracted from her divine majesty as the elect of
Christ.

The moral power of all our churches would at the pres-
ent time be vastly greater than it now is, if from the begin-
ning, consistently and constantly it had shunned the en-
tanglements of folly and doubtful morality and doubtful ex-
pediency. Yea, if it had in the spirit of meekness and kind-
ness rather erred on the side of severity than of the laxness
and licentiousness into which too many have been drawn.
The precipice is to have a wide berth rather than to be ap-
proached too closely.

The same in uttering the severer doctrines of
the Gospel. Do it lovingly and kindly, but utter even rhe
unpalatable truths of God. An emasculated Christianity
is a powerless region.

As to the relative advance of the churches compared
with the growth of the city and perhaps I ought to speak
only of my own denomination, I do think that we have not
done all that we could have done if we had been more faith-
ful. The influence of our church is not what it should be
nor what it could be if we were consecraated, united, wide
awake and working. Without work there can be no harvest.
This city is a field white for harvesting, but who will be i:he
laborer?

There needs be co-operation among all our churches.
We are falling behind the race — there is nc concealing the
matter, but past losses may be retrieved, and now is the
time to do it. To delay it may be too late forever. Each
church should organize for its individual work, and we
should be in correspondence with one another. Let us re-
member the Captain of our salvation holds us responsible
that we lose no more ground, but go up at once and possess
the land.

A single thought as to my present work. I feel that I
am now m my last earthly enterprise in the glorifying of

Christ. I thank Him for what He has permitted me to do —
enabled me to do — but there is just one thing more that I
beg at His hands. It is that He would give me grace and
strength, with your faith and labor of love, my people, to
bring our little church into such conditions, that I may say
it is a success; that is, beyond the contingent and so free
from every embarrassment which it is in our power, with
the sympathy of its friends to free it, that we can see our
way clear to do the one only grand work which any church
should care to do — the bringing of honor to Christ through
the abundant saving of souls.

I feel when I can do this — bring this church and lay it
at the feet of Jesus as a trophy, and say "here, Jesus, am
I and my people, the people whom thou hast given me, and
here is our work. We bring it that it may be a star in the
crown of a Saviour's rejoicing." I feel that when I can do
this I can then say, with the aged Simeon, "Lord, now let-
test thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen
thy salvation."

And I don't want my work in Evansville to close until
I can do this. I have referred to work in the days of my
prime, my undiscounted manhood. The strength of those
days may not be in me now, but I know that God is ready
to give me the strength needful for all that this enterprise
demands — if only you will work with me — and so with no
vaunting spirit, but humbly depending upon divine grace,
I offer myself to God and to you as ready to work with you
all and with the foremost of you all, and, being your leader
do challenge you to keep up with me in whatever may be
agreed upon as most likely to prosper the church and ensure
the blessing of God upon it.

As I ask of the Master, so will I — so do I ask of you.
His people — "What wilt thou have me to do?" Ready to
spend and to be spent until God shall crown us with blessed
victory.

That the "crown of blessed victory" is now his, and the
community in which he lived felt individually bereft when
he was taken from their midst. He was looked upon as
a pattern of all that a minister ought to be. He was a de-
vout and cheerful Christian, a counsellor and friend, to all
alike, a genial and agreeable companion. He had outlived
the time when it seemed necessary for a minister to wear a
long countenance and talk only on serious matters, and his
pleasant face and cheerful greeting comes up before us, as

he was cordially welcomed in all social gatherings among
his friends. Whatever Mr. McCarer says of himself in the
sermon is known to be true and is heartily responded to by
all who knew him.

"My present work," of which Rev. Mr. McCarer
speaks, was the First Avenue Church. By his efforts this
church was sustained and built up, and if he could have re-
mained with it till to-day he would have seen his wish real-
ized in regard it is being "a success." The beautiful struc-
ture which stands on the corner of Second and Walnut is a
grand monument to his memory. His zeal and persever-
ance were embodied in it as well as his devout desire to
honor God by building a temple wherein to worship Him
and sing praises to His holy name. The prosperity of this
church in all these years is largely due to the principles in-
culated by his earnest labor and his unselfish surrender of
his own interests to the good of the church, and there have
been many regrets since his death that his labors, to which
the best years of his life were given were not more gener-
ously rewarded. The salary he received, and with which
he was satisfied, was insufficient to give him that ease of
body and mind that he richly deserved to enjoy. The pur-
pose of building a church made it impossible to increase his
salary as it should have been, and though never a hardy or
robust man, he was seen cultivating his ground with all the
energy of a farmer, to make his income a little more. If
he could always have had a summer vacation such as the
ministers of to-day enjoy, his usefulness might have
continued many years longer than it did. His home, at the
head of Second Street, has been sold to Miss Caroline Rath-
borne, of New York, for an Old Ladies' Home. It is a mat-
ter of regret that the property should ever have been al-
lowed to get out of the family, particularly during the life
time of his wife, Mrs. Sarah H. McCarer, who still sur-
vives him. Much to the regret of her many friends, Mrs.
McCarer now makes her home in Texas, owing to the re-
moval of some members of her family, to that place, with
whom she wished to reside. The fact that any particular
publicity was always offensive to her and that she might

some day see these pages will prevent all the good being
said of her that ought to be. But with the hope that she
will excuse, for friendship sake, just a few words will be
said. It is true that no one in Evansville ever had more
friends than she has left, her life in the eyes of all these
friends has been perfect.

The position of pastor's wife was never more appro-
priately filled than it has been by her, and she possesses all
the traits of a kind hearted, noble. Christian woman, and
deserves to be and is most kindy remembered by all who
knew her and particularly by the members of the church
of which her husband was pastor.

CHAPTER X.

45*

Nf^

. w

DR. LINDLEY AND MRS. LINDLEY.

There was also Dr. Lindley and
wife, who still live in the memory of
some of the oldest residents. They
came to this country from Connecticut
and made their home in Stringtown.
The doctor was for many years an El-
der in the church. This couple were
well advanved in life when they sought
a new home in the West, and the New
England principles instilled in them in
youth bore excellent fruit when trans-
planted to a new climate and new sur-
roundings. In goodness and benevolence they could not be
excelled, the doctor administering to the poor and afflicted
"without money and without price," and his wife binding
up the broken heart and giving her meagre substance with-
out stint to those who were more needy than herself. At
that early date Dr. Lindley was the first person who ever
advocated woman's rights in this community. His views
were entirely new and considered rather Eutopian, then,
but now it seems that he was only an advanced thinker. A
paper for which he subscribed, which was an exponent of
these views, was called the "Banner of Peace." If he
could have lived to these days his highest anticipations
would have been almost realized. That women would help
to reform the world in temperance and politics was a theme
on which he often discoursed. The lives of these good peo-
ple were examples that could not fail to influence all who
knew them. Peace to their ashes, and a blessed reward for
them above!

Besides the men who were the pillars of the church
there were "honorable women not a few," who were as nec-
essary and useful to the superstructure as the pillars them-

selves. They were consistent Christian women, who gave
all their influence on the side of religion. The diversions
they sought were pure and simple. Reading societies and
sewing societies where like one family, they were all inter-
ested in the same object, jealousies were unknown. There
were no theatres here in those days and if there had been,
no church member would have attended them. There was
no beer drinking or card playing mothers, and few tempta-
tions to anything but a moral life.

MRS, WARNER.

The first Mrs. Warner was the wife of Alanson War-
ner, a sister-in-law of "Father Chute," and one of the first
church members when it was organized. She was an in-
fluential woman and active in good works. The second
Mrs. Warner, afterward Mrs. Chas R. Hopkins, was an en-
ergetic worker in everything relating to the welfare of the
church, and at her death she left a handsome bequest to the
Walnut Street Church.

Mr. Alanson Warner, though one of the trustees of
the church, was never a member. He was a man of ster-
ling worth and honesty, interested in every good cause. He
was prosperous in business and gave freely of his means
to benevolent objects. It was at his house the flrst meeting
was held to consider the building of the church. For many
years he kept the only hotel in the place, the "Mansion
House," which stood where the People's Opera House
stood.

MRS. J. H. MAGHEE

Was a pattern of lovliness of character, delicate and
reflned; her conscientious and pure life and her deeds of
charity made her beloved and honored by everyone. She
passed to her reward years since and her parting words to
her dear child were "Be kind to the poor." Her sister.
Miss Parker, who took the place of mother to the bereaved
child, carried out her sisters wishes in all respects, being
an excellent Christian woman. The latter is still living in
New York and retains pleasant memories of her life in
Evansville and her many friends, few of whom still sur-
vive.

MRS. ROBERT BARNES.

Mrs. Barnes was another lovely woman whose memory
is precious. She was one whom any person with aspira-
tions for a higher and better life might wish to imitate.
Gentle, kind and conscientious she performed all the duties
of a Christian woman with zeal and pleasure. She had
many trials which were borne with patience. An irrelig-
ious husband was a great grief to her, but her perfect life
and prayers for him were no doubt the means after her
death of his conversion, which it was truly believed, took
place. He manifested a strong desire to lead a new life and
joined a church, not the one to which his wife had belonged.
But his ardor was dampened by the persistent efforts of
his brethern to bring him forward as a prominent member,
insisting upon his praying in public and taking an active
and conspicious part in the church, while the man himself
had more sense and modesty than to accede to their wishes.
He was a wealthy man and they wished him to be a bright
and shining light in the world.

Another cause of his "fall from grace" was the good
brethern wished to administer upon his estate before he
was done with it himself. In other words there was no end
to the demands upon him for money, to which he responded
in a reasonable degree, but not at all satisfactory to the ap-
plicant, and to prevent any further expectations he became
a Spiritualist. The doctrines and belief of that sect suited
him better. He thought the more spiritual people became
the less money would be required from him. He made his
will leaving his property to the Spiritualists, but at his
death his will could not be found and his rightful heirs
came into possession of all he had owned.

MRS. SARAH L. FLAGLER.

Mrs. Sarah Leland Flagler was one of the earliest
members of the Walnut Street Church. She was born in
Pleasant Valley, N. Y., in 1794, and died in Glen Cove, N.
Y., in 1882.

Mrs. Flagler was the daughter of Rev. John Clark, who
was for more than thirty years pastor of Pleasant Valley.
She was a genial Christian woman ; life had no dark side to
her, whatever of sorrow or care came upon her she rallied
from it and became cheerfully resigned to her lot. In her
extreme old age she preserved her youthful feelings. She
enjoyed making everyone happy, particularly the children.

She was a lover of the beautiful in nature and art, and pos-
sessed the art of making beautiful things with the painters'
pencil, which she excercised until a short time before her
death. Many homes this day have samples of her skill and
taste — Beautiful vases and articles of fancy work with
which she decorated the dwellings of her friends. She was
untiring in her labors for the church, and many dollars
were realized from the sale of her fancy articles at the fairs
held for the benefit of the church. After leaving Evans-
ville she was always busy aiding poor and struggling
churches by contributing her work which was sold to
their advantage. Mrs. Flagler was always met with a
friendly greeting wherever she went. For many years, with
rare kindliness of heart, she ministered to others with true
Christian sympathy, rejoicing with the happy and sorrow-
ing with the sad. Her pastor wrote of her after her death :
"Her memory will long me cherished here and elsewhere.
To the last her childlike faith in her Savior never wavered
and she was ready to depart and be with Him."

Rev. J. P. E. Kumler.

CHAPTER XI.

REV. J. P. E. KUMLER.

Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, in his own words, gives the fol-
lowing account.

"I received a call to the pastorate of the Walnut Street
Church, of Evansville, Ind., in May, 1868. The call was ac-
cepted and the work entered upon about the first of July
following.

The Rev. Wm. H. McCarer had been pastor for nearly a
score of years; he had led the church from weakness to
strength, and built a large and elegant church edifice. He
was greatly and justly loved by his many old friends, who
were pained at his retirement, and though he continued to
reside among the people he had served so long and faith-
fully, he was not, as is often the case, an obstruction to the
work of his successor, but a i decided help and a\ loving
friend, as was also his devoted and accomplished wife.
Fortunate indeed is the pastor who finds such parishoners
as we found in Brother McCarer and his beloved compan-
ion. The elders fitly represented the church. The names
of John Shanklin, Samuel Orr and Dr. Tyrrell were held in
reverence. They unselfishly sought the purity, peace and
prosperity of the church. Two of these were well ad-
vanced in years, and the church was growing in numbers
so that they requested an addition to their number. Gen.
John W. Foster, Prof. A. M. Gow and Daniel Mark were
chosen and proved themselves efficient overseers of the
flock. All were in harmony and seconded every effort of
the pastor. The hand of the Lord was with us, and many
were added to the church. Special mention should be made
of the godly women "not a few," who at this distance of
twenty years come vividly before me, I can hardly refrain
from beginning the catalogue of their names, but I would
not know where to stop. They were a host in themselves;
to their prayers and untiring successful work the prosperi-
ty of the church was largely due. As the mind to work be-
came more manifest there was a necessity felt for a more
thorough organization for church work, and with prince of

organizers, Gen. J. W. Foster, we effected the most com-
plete division of labor, that assigned to every man his own
work, I have ever seen put in operation. Nearly every
member of the church was placed on some committee ; there
was no branch of church work overlooked. The congrega-
tion, the prayer meetings, the young peoples' meetings the
Sunday school, Cottage prayer meetings. Temperance so-
cials, canvassing and religious literature. The latter com-
mittee, I remember, saw that every family in the church
had one of our church papers.

"As there was no Y. M. C. A. Association in the city
we had also committees to visit the jail, station house, in-
firmary, and to distribute invitations to attend church at
the different hotels. The chairman of each committee re-
ported regularly to the session what the committee had
done. Then followed this increased activity an increased
ingathering of souls and a manifest growth of grace in all
the workers. The contribution to the different Boards of
the church increased. The church also began to take a more
active part in the mission work of the Presbytery. The
church during my pastorate was exceedingly fortunate in
her Treasurer, the Hon. Wm. Baker, nothing was allowed
to go at loose ends — business was business. The annual
reports were exhaustive and models of accuracy and a great
stimulus to greater liberality. The payments of salary
were as prompt as the sun. It was my sad duty to follow
him to the grave, and my privilege to voice a general senti-
ment of all who knew him, to declare that in his departure
the community and the church lost one of its most upright
and valuable members. I cannot refrain from mentioning
a few others whose names have starred. Mr. Shanklin and
Mr. Orr, were prominent pillars in the church. They were
men of God and of might, upon whom the church and so-
ciety is built. They were identified with the foundation and
superstructure of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church.
Nor can I omit the name of my warm-hearted and enthu-
siastic friend Mr Daniel Mark, and still another. Prof. A.
M. Gow, whose great experience as an educator enabled
him to introduce many improvements in our Sabbath school
methods; and still there comes back to memory both men
and women whose faces we shall see no more in time.
"Part of the host have crossed the flood, part are crossing
now." There was no discord during that three years pas-
torate. No wonder there was a breaking of heartstrings
when the relation was sundered. Its precious memories
are counted among the richest legacies of my life."

J. P. E. Kumler.

Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, while in the capacity of pastor,
was a great favorite with his church and congregation, and
his resignation was very reluctantly accepted. His parting
with his friends was painful at least, and at the last mo-
ment he may have wished with them that he had not lis-
tened to the "call" which they did not wish him to hear.
Then why did he leave? Was it the "call," or was it that
like a brave general he changed his position in order to be
given a better advantage of the enemy, thinking that with
the three years of thorough training he had given the sol-
diers of the cross in Evansville that they could "hold the
fort" and wage successful warfare against sin without his
aid. His plans of systematic church work have continued
and the impression left upon his people is that he was an
excellent pastor. He was an eloquent and practical preach-
er, and well deserved the kind regard and esteem in which
he is held to this day.

To Mr. Kumler the First Avenue Church is largely in-
debted. Through his influence it was first started as a
Mission Society, in 1871, and with the help of the Grace
Presbyterian Church, a flourishing society was organized
and a church was built, of which Rev. Wm. H. McCarer be-
came pastor and was very active in the promotion of its in-
terests and welfare until the time of his death.

MRS. KUMLER
Was a most energetic church worker and is not forgotten.
Her active interest in all good works as well as her exam-
ple, were a great benefit to the church. No duty was neg-
lected that she undertook to perform, and she was one of
the women who could well be depended upon for a leader in
all that pertained to reform, while her home duties were
never neglected. She was a good wife and mother and is
kindly remembered by her many friends. Mr. Kumler
went from Evansville to Cincinnati, where remained for
some time. His place of residence at present is Pittsburgh,
Penn.

REV. SAMUEL CARLISLE.

After the Rev. Mr. Kumler left. Rev, Samuel Carlisle
filled his place. It has been impossible to hear from him,
and as nothing is known of his history it can only be said
that he was quite a young man and gave satisfaction as a
preacher.

His portrait has been kindly ofl'ered by one of his
friends for insertion in this volume.

Rev. Carlisle.

CHAPTER XII.

REV. CHARLES HENRY FOOTE, D. D.

Rev. Mr. Foote was born in Lenox Mass., the 17th of
June, 1825. His parents removed to Monroe county, N. Y.
when he was ten years of age. He prepared for college in
Rochester, N. Y., and graduated at Williamstown, Mass.
He began the study of law, but at the end of two years de-
cided that it was his duty to enter the ministry. He then
went to Princeton Theological Seminary, and before he fin-
ished his studies there, he received a call from the Second
Church in New Brunswick, N. J., which he accepted im-
mediately after he graduated in 1854. Mr. Foote was mar-
ried to Miss Alma T. Foote, of Madison, N. Y., in June of
the same year and remained with the New Brunswick
church four years. Although the relation of the church
and pastor were most harmonious, he took the advice of his
physician and removed west for the benefit of the health of
his wife. He settled first in Jerseyville, 111., where he lived
for ten years, which included the time of the civil war. Be-
ing on the "Border land," it was only by his prudence, wis-
dom and personal popularity that his large church was held
together. Afterward, when he was in charge of the North
Church in St. Louis, Mo., he received his call from Walnut
Street Church in Evansville, to which he came in 1876.
While pastor of the North Church in St. Louis he received
the title of "D. D." from Blackburn University, 111. After
preaching and faithfully discharging all his pastoral duties
in the Walnut Street Church for three years he accepted a
call from the First Presbyterian Church in Ionia, Michigan,
from which church militant he was removed to the church
triumphant, June 27th, 1880. The tablet erected to his
memory in this church will give a summary of his charac-
ter and the esteem in which he lived and died. His work as
a pastor was eminently successful in every sense of the
word. He never had a communion season without addi-
tions to the church. He always left a church united and
harmonious, and on leaving he always received the most

Rev. Chas. Henry Foote.

cordial expressions of regret from the majority of the peo-
ple. He was especially happy in his work and intercourse
with young people and his genial and frank ways always
won the children. Mr. Foote was a cousin of Rev. Henry
Beecher, whose mother's name was Foote.

The above account was written by an intimate friend
of Dr. Foote, who says: "Of his work in Evansville, the
growth and prosperity of the church for three years he
was there, I need not tell you." Of course the church rec-
ords will give a full account of the additions and official
work. The following is a lac simile of the inscription of
the tablet erected to his memory in the church in Ionia,
Michigan, when he was called away from his last pastorate
duties :

Tn memoriam

CHARLES H. FOOTE, D. D.

BORN JUNE 17TH, 1825.

ORDAINED MAY 23D, 1854.

DIED JUNE 27TH, 1880.

An Able and Faithful Minister of Christ. The

Beloved Pastor of this Church

from 1879 to 1880.

Intellectual, Vigorous and Original.
Emotionally Generous and Genial.
Spiritually Earnest and Energetic.

'Remember the Word that I said unto you,
being, yet present with you."

REV. ALEXANDER STERRITT.

Rev. Alexander Sterritt supplied the pulpit for a short
time, when there was no regular pastor. He was an accept-
able pastor of Grace Church for many years. He was a
very original preacher, giving his own views on different
subjects and his own interpretations of passages of scrip-
ture, which was an innovation seldom ventured upon at that
time, and though, to most minds, entirely orthodox, might
in this day when such men as Dr. Briggs are arraigned, be
thought to savor of heresy. He was a genial, jovial man
and a clever preacher, and was well thought of by all who
knew him. He is now numbered among those who have
crossed over "to the other side."

CHAPTER XIII.

MR. JOHN SHANKLIN.

Mr. Shanklin became an Elder of
the church in 1855. He was one of the
oldest residents in Evansville. He was
born near Derry, in the County Done-
gal, in Ireland. His father, John
Shanklin, Sr., an Irish patriot, lost his
life in the rebellion of 1798, fighting
for his beloved country. In his eigh-
teenth year Mr. Shanklin emigrated to
America, landing in New York after a
voyage of six weeks in a sailing vessel.
He spent three years in New York,
afterward removing to Frankfort, Ky., from which place
he went to Shelbyville in the same state, where he engaged
in teaching several years. Subsequently he made his home
in Louisville, where he made life-long acquaintances and
friends. In 1823 he came to Evansville and engaged in
business in which he continued, under different firm names,
the last being Shanklin & Reilly, till about four years be-
fore his death. After his death a city paper spoke of him
as follows :

"Mr. Shanklin began life in Evansville when it was a
mere village. He saw it grow into a city with wide spread-
ing commerce and wealth. He witnessed in his long life the
creating of the railroad and the telegraph, scarcely
dreamed of when he first came to the place and with these
creations the marvelous growth and development of our
country in commerce and intellectual activity. With all
this his mind sympathized and kept pace. Though the
snows of eighty-two winters had fallen about him, his spir-
its were buoyant and hopeful, making his presence and
company always genial and agreeable to the old and young
alike. Proverbially liberal and kindhearted his hand was
ever ready to help forward those who were contending with
adverse circumstances. His heart was always open to the

cry of the poor and distressed and with his means he was
ever ready to render them substantial aid. John Shanklin
was no ordinary man, in his mature manhood his physical
powers of endurance were extraordinary. The circum-
stances in which he and many others in this new country
were placed called forth and developed the highest skill and
energy. A trip to New York was made by river, stage and
on horseback, and weeks and months were spent in these
weary journeys. Also the southern trip to New Orleans
was equally tedious, going down on a flat boat and return-
ing by steamboat. Persons in business were obliged to
make these long journeys. During Mr. Shanklin's active
business life he was largely engaged in shipping produce
to New Orleans. He was always foremost in business, pos-
sessing the confidence of all who were associated with him
in the affairs of life, and he never betrayed their trust. In
the church his labors were supplemented by his devoted
wife, and both are held in grateful remembrance. He was
an Elder of the church for over twenty years, and his life
linking the past century- with the present, closed full of
good deeds and loving memories. Of his excellence as a
citizen, his tenderness as a husband, his kindness as a fath-
er and his uprightness as a man, let the hearts of his chil-
dren and friends who knew him best testify."

MRS PHILURA SHANKLIN.

Mrs. Shanklin was removed by
death from a sphere of usefulness three
years previous to the demise of her hus-
band. She was a native of Vermont,
and as Miss Philura French, came to
Evansville in 1831 with her sister, Mrs.
Calvin Butler, and engaged in teaching
for three years before her marriage.
The school house in which she began
her labors was a primitive log cabin on
the Princeton road near the old farm of
Luke Wood. She afterward taught in
Washington, Ind. She was actively engaged in promoting
everything calculated to advance the prosperity of the
church of which her brother-in-law was pastor in Evans-
ville, and in its connection began her work in the Sabbath
school. To her belongs the honor of organizing ihe first
Sabbath school, which was then regarded as an innovation
upon the established customs, which did not fully bear upon

the higher sanctification of the Sabbath. But such was her
power of fascinating the youth that it was not long till
through them she triumphed over the prejudices of the par-
ents. Her interest in the young people of her day and her
influence upon them was m many instances very remark-
able. Seemingly she had never forgotten her own youthful
tastes and she entered into and sympathized in all the en-
joyments of her young friends with evident delight and
satisfaction. Her love for children was one of the well re-
membered traits in her character. Her home was always a
pleasant rendezvous for all the young people in the neigh-
borhood. To illustrate her desire to give pleasure to the
children a little incident is given by one of her friends, who
said : "Finding her one day superintending the arrange-
ment of the shrubs and flowers in her front yard, I called
her attention to the fact that the gardener was setting the
roses so near the fence that every passer-by might pluck
them. She said "That is just what I want. If any little
child that has no flowers at home comes along, I want him
to reach right through the fence and take them.' Her reli-
gion was practical as well as spiritual. She comforted and
assisted those in distress and encouraged all who needed
strength to bear the burdens of life. Her religion spiritual-
ly, carried her beyond the cloudy visions of time, where love
and beauty reign supreme. She dwelt in the presence of
of the grandeur of which St. Paul speaks as "the powers of
the world to come," and her aspirations were always for a
better and higher life. She was in sympathy and goodfel-
lowship with all Christians of whatever denomination. By
her death, not only her particular friends were bereaved,
but the church to which she belonged and the community
for whose good she exercised her best thoughts and influ-
ences.

Much more could be said of this good woman, but the
hand that would indite these lines is influenced too deeply
by a sister's love to be trusted to write more. The love and
sympathy of a last surviving sister which made life pleas-
ant and desirable has passed away, and in their place come
memories from the shadowy past that no lapse of time is
suff"icient to dim. At this late day the heart aches at the
desolation that the removal of the beloved presence has
wrought and veils itself in its sorrow.

«aA

Rev. J. F. Adams.

CHAPTER XIV.

REV. J. Q. ADAMS.

Rev. J. Q. Adams was a native of the town of Ogden,
a few miles west of Rochester, N. Y. His parents were
New England people and his father was a farmer. He was
early initiated into the hard work of a farmer's boy, and his
school days were soon limited to the four months of the
winter term of a district school. A desire to secure an edu-
cation possessed him, and he cannot remember the time
when he did not expect to become a minister. Under great
difficulties he prepared for college, much of the work being
done at home under the guidance of an older sister. From
September, 1868 to May, 1869, he was a student in the
academy connected with the Normal School at Brockport,
N. H. Then, owing to the sudden death of his father, he
left school and managed the farm until it was sold in the
spring of 1871. In the meantime, by diligent study, he had
entered the University of Rochester in the class of '74.
Here he pursued his studies and was graduated with that
class, and from the Theological Seminary at Auburn in
1877. Most of these years he was supporting himself by
office work, teaching and preaching.

Soon after being graduated he was married to Miss
Clara Southgate, of Rochester, and became stated supply
of the Presbyterian Church of Mexico, N. Y. There had
been much trouble in the church, and his work was to bring
together the two .parties and consolidate the church for
work. Though holding a call to the pastorate, he was not
installed, nor was he ordained until June, 1878. Then the
Presbytery of ■ Syracuse ordained him an evangelist. He
had previously been licensed in 1876 by the Presbytery of
Rochester.

In November, 1878, he accepted the invitation to be-
come a stated supply to the Walnut Street Presbyterian
Church, of Evansville, and began his work December 1st.
At the end of the year he received and accepted a call to
the pastorate and was installed by the Presbytery of Vin-

cennes. Here he remained until October, 1881. It was a
pastorate much enjoyed by him, and full of work. A large
number had been received into the church under Dr. Foote,
his predecessor, and his work was largely in looking after
and training the new converts. The church was brought
into greater unity, and better organization for work. Ow-
ing to the failure of his health he was obliged to resign, and
accepted a call to become the pastor of the Presbyterian
Church of Boulder, Colorada.

Here new work in laying foundations was thrust upon
him. There was a large growth in every department of the
church. It became self-supporting and stepped to the front
as one of the most vigorous churches of that region. The
demands of the general work were also numerous.

In March, 1884, he resigned this pastorate to accept a
call to the Westminster Presbyterian Church of San Fran-
cisco, where he is still pastor. Work in this city is excep-
tionally difficult, and the church to which he came was in
debt, divided, sadly demoralized, and few in numbers.
There has been growth in many ways. It is out of debt,
united, thoroughly organized, liberal and active in every
good work. It has one of the best working forces of young
people to be found anywhere. It has the First Company
of the Boys' Brigade in the U. S. A., which, in its more than
two year's work, has done much for the boys, and is a rap-
idly growing organization.

Any notice of this work would be incomplete without
some reference to her, who in every good work, has been a
help-meet, indeed. Elder Samuel Orr called her "a model
pastor's wife," and as the years have passed since then, she
has not lost this reputation. To her abundant labors Mr.
Adams owes much.

All that has been said of Mrs. Adams, meets with a
hearty response from everyone who was blessed with her
acquaintance. While her husband was pastor in Evansville
she won all hearts, her labors of love and mercy were
"abundant," and she has never been weary of well-doing.
From her far off home in California, word comes back that
the good little woman is more active than ever and her
good influence among all classes and especially among the
young people, is being felt and highly appreciated.

That Mr. Adams does "not remember when he did not
expect to be a minister" must have had a powerful influ-
ence in forming his character. His life and mind must
have developed with that gracious thought, which was evi-

llev. Seward M. Dodge.

dent from his purely spiritual sermons. Mr. Adams was
very highly respected, and his ill health, which obliged him
to leave, was seriously regretted. Excellent reports of the
good he is able to accomplish among the rising generation
come to us, and that his health has improved in the mild
climate of California, is very gratifying to his many
friends.

REV. SEWARD M. DODGE.

Christmas morning of the year 1881, the Rev. Seward
M. Dodge preached his first sermon in the pulpit of Walnut
Street Church. First, as stated supply, and afterward as
pastor-elect, he served the church until the last of Septem
ber, 1883, when he departed for California and became pas-
tor of the Santa Rosa Presbyterian Church.

On the 22d of January, a month after Rev. Mr.
Dodge's arrival in Walnut Street Church, a jubilee service
was held on the fiftieth anniversary of the building of the
first church edifice erected ten years after the organization
of the church, and the debt $3,000, which long hindered the
work of the church, was cancelled.

Only a few days later. Elder Samuel Orr, long the
main pillar of the church and confidential adviser of every
pastor, was laid to rest. In the October following, his be-
loved wife, of sainted memory, joined him. The next
spring the old church manse gave place to a beautiful brick
structure, erected to their memory by Mr. James Orr and
Mrs. Martha Bayard.

During Mr. Dodge's pastorate, of less than two years,
thirty-five members were added to the church — nineteen on
confession of faith and sixteen by letter. Regular meetings
were established among the young people, with whom Mr.
Dodge was always in the fullest sympathy, and many re-
ceived the spiritual blessing of introduction to Christian
work.

Though the time was short in which Mr. Dodge re-
mained with the church, his work was successful, and he
was appreciated as an honest and faithful worker in the
vineyard of the Lord. His talents were not buried, and in
a quiet, unpretentious way he went about his Master's work
and when the day of reckoning comes he will receive the
plaudit: 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into
the joy of the Lord."

CHAPTER XV.

MR. SAMUEL ORR.

In a note from the Rev. Seward M.
Dodge, he says, "Much of sorrow as
well as joy was crowded into the few
short months I spent in Evansville."
No sadder event ever occured in the
church than the death of one of its old-
est and best beloved Elders, Mr. Samuel
Orr, which took place during the time
when Mr. Dodge was pastor. The
name of this good man brings pleasant
memories to every one who knew him.
He had all the qualities which make a
man respected and honored in every
walk of life — as a business man, a phil-
anthropist, a Christian and a personal friend.

Mr. Samuel Orr emigrated from Ireland in 1833, and
after two years spent in Pittsburg, he came to Evansville,
where he engaged in business and afterwards became one
of ths largest dealers in iron in the West. He was an hon-
est man, and was eminently successful in the accumlation
of wealth, which seemed a well merited reward for his per-
severing energy and his upright dealings with all men. Be-
nevolence was one of his most prominent characteristics;
the poor and needy were never refused aid when an appeal
was made to his kind heart ,and among this class the sin-
cerest grief was felt when he was called away. The "Ev-
ansville Courier" said of him :

"He was personally known to a larger number of men,
women and children, perhaps, than any man who has ever
lived in this community, and their knowledge of him was
not merely that of an acquamtance, but of deep personal
attachment."

It can be truly said of Samuel Orr that his kindness
was universal ; that his bounty was freely given whenever
necessity or sorrow laid claim to it. The last prominent

scene in which he was an actor occured about two weeks be-
fore his death, the occasion being the semi-centennial an-
niversary of the Wahiut Street Church. After an eloquent
discourse by the Rev. Seward Dodge, who had just entered
upon his duty as pastor, it was proposed to clear the church
debt by subscription. With that liberality which has al-
ways characterized his actions in every worthy cause, and
that has particularly lent emphasis and sincerity to his
church loyalty, Samuel Orr subscribed about one-fourth of
the amount necessary, in this way giving such stimulus to
the movement that in a few minutes the required amount
was raised. No one was present who will ever forget his
cheering words on that occasion, now doubly memorable
for the sad sequel of the great sorrow that followed. He
appeared in his usual health and his cheerful nature was
never seen to greater advantage. "This day's work," he
said, "lifts a great burden from my heart ; I have always
wished that this debt might be paid during my life."

Alas! That the end should have come so soon after
this happy fruition of his hope. He goes down, not over
weighted with years it is true, but having fulfilled a career
that was full of noble deeds that will be recalled with fra-
grant memories. No reproaches will follow him into the
mysterious future which all men must sometime explore,
and he leaves behind him a name that will always be rev-
erenced as an example to be emulated and beloved."

MRS. SAMUEL ORR.

The honored and beloved wife of
Mr. Orr deserves a place in this volume.
She was married to Samuel Orr before
leaving Ireland. Reared with sterling
principles, in the atmosphere of the old
Scotch Presbyterianism, she was a firm
defender of the faith, and her conscien-
tious and useful life was a grand monu-
ment to the teachings of her early days
and her memory is as fresh in the
hearts of those who knew her as the

green sod from which she emigrated.

A few lines from the editor of the Evansville Tribune,

who knew her from his childhood, shows the place she held

in the aff'ections of her friends.

He says : "To the writer she was very dear, the kind

words and friendly advice she often gave him when a mere

child, the interest she has always shown in him, after he ar-

rived at man's estate, are cherished never to be forgotten.
She was truly a noble woman and her life was a long suc-
cession of good deeds — a kind charitable Christian woman,
numbering her friends as well among those in the humble
walks of life as among those upon whom fortune had
smiled. Her church was next to her home, the dearest spot
on earth to her, and as long as her strength would permit
she was never absent from her pew. She has gone to her
Maker, gone to the spot at His foot stool that awaited her
coming."

Of Mr. and Mrs. Orr, it truly can be said, the mantle
of these worthy people has fallen on their only son and
daughter, Mr. James Orr and Mrs, Martha Bayard, who
are well fitted to fill out lives that will honor their venerable
parents. They have built a beautiful Parsonage on Wal-
nut Street on the lot adjoining the church, sacred to the
memory of their father and mother.

MRS. JANE FARRELL.

Mrs. Farrell, a sister of Mrs. Orr,
is the oldest member of the church, and
one of the precious links that connect
the past with the present. She remem-
bers much of Evansville in early times
and likes to recall the scenes and events
of long ago.

Mrs. Farrell came to America from
Ireland, as Mrs. McDonald, more than
forty years ago and became acquainted
with pioneer life, the first few years
having been spent in the country near
Evansville. There were many privations to be endured in
the new settlements at that time, and often misfortunes.
After being comfortably settled in a home, her house, with
all its contents was consumed by fire ; not long after, hav-
ing again secured a pleasant home, she was bereaved of her
husband, who in attempting to cross a stream which he was
usually able to ford, a late rain having swollen it, he rode
into the stream and was drowned. Her trials were all
borne as only a brave woman can bear trouble. She re-
moved to town, and after several years she was married to
Mr. John Farrell, since deceased. She has always been a
staunch Presbyterian, and her interest in the church at her
advanced age is unabated. When the weather is not un-

pleasant, Sabbath morning finds her in her pew listening
to the words of truth and righteousness.

Mrs. Farrell has never forgotten her home across the
sea, and she keeps herself well informed in regard to its
present history as well as that of the earliest periods. Her
fondness for, and knowledge of history is quite remarkable ;
she remembers more about the crowned heads of Great Bri-
tain and their descendants than almost anyone, and is often
referred to by her friends in matters of this kind. She is
fond of reading and society, and the down-hill of life is
made pleasant for her by the host of loving friends who en-
joy her society, and she still retains an interest in them and
the affairs of life, which makes her time pass pleasantly
and happily away.

"Cheerful as the day declines,
Cares depart with setting sun,

Peace and trust now fill the mind
Till life's earthly sands are run."

CHAPTER XVI.

HON. JOHN W. FOSTER.

Among those who have in years past
removed from Evansville and have been
very much missed in the church and so-
ciety, are the Hon John W. Foster and
his excellent wife. During the civil war,
as Colonel of a regiment and command-
er of a cavalry brigade in Burnside's
army, John W. Foster was a leader in
the service of his country and won the
honors which were afterward conferred
upon him. Seldom has any man so
secured the confidence of the head

of the nation as to receive three so important appointments
as were given him. He v/as eleven years Foreign Minister
of the United States, first to Mexico, afterwards to Russia,
and lastly to Spain. From 1866 to 1873 Col. Foster was
editor of a daily paper in Evansville. He lived in Cincin-
nati perhaps two years after the war, and was a ruling El-
der in the Lane Seminary Church, Walnut Hills, and also
in the Walnut Street Church, Evansville, and now in the
New York Avenue Church, Washington, D. C.

To the memory of their children who died in Evans-

ville, Col. and Mrs. Foster have erected a beautiful little
church, at the corner of Elsas Avenue and Delaware Street,
where a mission school has been established by Rev. L. M.
Gilleland, formerly of Walnut Street Church. There has
been no regularly organized church there as yet, ministers
of other churches supplying the pulpit every Sabbath.

Evansville has a right to congratulate herself on being
able to send out into the world men who become not only
nationally distinguished, but those who are valuable mem-
bers of the community where they reside and whose influ-
ence is only for good.

Since the writing of this sketch. Gen. Foster has won
added laurels in the diplomatic field. Hewhiuo

Since the writing of this book. Gen. Foster has now
added laurels in the diplomatic field.

He was a member of many important Commissions :

Reciprocity Mission to Spain — 1890.

Behring Sea Arbitration — 1891.

Secretary of State under President Harrison — 1892.

Fur Seal Conference— 1897.

Joint High Commission Canadian Affairs — 1898.

Hague Peace Conference — 1906.

Alaska Boundary Commission — 1908.

Peace Mission to Japan in the interests of China after
Chinese-Japanese War — 1894.

His home was in Washington, D. C, where he was an
elder in the church and a Bible School teacher, a friend and
supporter of Missions, and a leader in all philanthropic
work, until his death in 1917.

MRS. ELIZA J. McMERSON.

Mrs. McFerson is the mother of Mrs. John W. Foster,
and also one of the early members of the church. Hearing
her at one time relate some of her early history, the writer
was led to think that the strong minded women of this day
possibly believe that they are something new in the world,
and that they are quite in advance of all their predecessors ;
perhaps they are, in making plans of what women ought to
do, but the thought arose, has any one of them done more
that is really heroic than Mrs. McFerson. The ambition
and perseverance of a young woman of that early time of
which she writes below, was remarkable. One who could
accomplish so much in the way of educating herself when
so few facilities were enjoyed, is an example worthy of
emulation. It is to be hoped that the account solicited for.

this book will encourage the young people, whatever their
circumstances may be, to qualify themselves for any emer-
gency that may overtake them, by obtaining a thorough
education, and that the faint-hearted who would give up in
time of trouble to despondency, will take courage from this
example and as bravely defy misfortune as the subject of
this sketch has done.

Carlyle says: "The past is holier, the farther we go
from it." And a person can imagine the emotion experi-
enced by one who after passing the three score and ten
years allotted to her, sits down and recalls the scenes of
a long and eventful life. Mrs. McFerson is a strong char-
acter, and her influence is felt wherever she is known. Hav-
ing been the wife of a minister, she feels a deep interst in
the church, and her opinions are of value in all matters per-
taining to it. She is now able to rest from the arduous
duties of life, and passes her time pleasantly with her
daughter in Washington, and her son, Mr. Theodore Mc-
Ferson, in Evansville, calling the latter place her home.

A good idea can be gathered from the following sketch,
by men of large families, who are not able to educate all
their children. Let them try the plan of educating one,
and let that one teach the rest. In New England, fifty
years ago, it was painful to see the effort made to educate
one child for a profession while the others were neglected
and allowed to look up to the educated one as a superior.
Mr. Ezra Reed, the father of Mrs. McFerson, was a New
Englander, but his coming west perhaps developed this new
idea which proved a success.

Mrs. McFerson says: "I was born
January 1st, 1818, near Urbana, Ohio.
My father was from Massachusetts, my
mother from Maine. My father built
the first brick house in the region of
country where he settled; and was the
wonder of all the inhabitants, inasmuch
as he sent all of his boys to college, six
of whom were older than myself. The
neighbors spoke of my brothers as
"college head." A room was set apart
in my father's house for study, in which
we gathered. As one after another of the sons finished his
college course, and was studying his profession, the first
year in private, he would take charge of the study room,
and prepare the next younger to enter the regular college
class. Here I sat as a little girl learning my lesson. I was

taught to read by my grandmother, on my father's side,
before I was four years old. My mother died before I was
five years old.

"When I was eight years of age my oldest brother took
me with him to Athens, he having graduated and become a
tutor in the Ohio University. He immediately put me to
studying Latin grammar, hearing me recite at noon and in
the evening; he drilled me month after month on the de-
clension of the nouns, pronouns, adjectives and conjugation
of verbs so that they remain with me until this day; the
lessons were learned on Saturday as on other days, and
on every Sabbath afternoon a hymn or Psalm or both.

"About the time I had mastered the Latin grammar
my brother, hearing that a cultivated French family had
come over and settled a few miles from Athens, concluded
to place me in their charge to learn that language. Only
one member of the family spoke English; they taught me
to ask for everything in French, and paid no attention if I
spoke in English. I suffered untold agonies in the woods
with these strangers, speaking only in a foreign tongue. I
remained here several months.

"Occasionally, when not convenient for my brothers to
instruct me, I went to school ; the study and discipline here
was mere play compared with what they required of me.

"At the age of fourteen, I was sent to the Marietta Fe-
male Seminary, conducted by some Eastern ladies, remain-
ing during two school years ; here I studied arithmetic, his-
tory, botany and other branches taught in the best female
schools of that day. I returned to Athens in the latter part
of my fifteenth year, making my home with my oldest
brother, who was then married and was Professor of Latin
and Greek in the University. The brother next older than
myself was then a student in the college, and with him I
commenced the study of geometry (old Euclid). After I
had mastered the first book containing forty-nine proposi-
tions, my brother. Prof. Read, said he was going to ask the
Professor of Mathematics to review me. He was a severe
man, a graduate of West Point, who said that women had
not sense enough to master higher mathematics, so I trem-
bled, but did not dare to object. I stood at the black-board
two or three hours, reciting every proposition in the first
book. The Professor praised me to his college classes, say-
ing I had done more than they could do, as he had not re-
quired so much of them. He afterwards said that he would
like to have me study algebra with him, as I would need it
as I went on in geometry ; this I did, two of my friends join-
ing me. During these years I read Latin, (Cicero, Virgil,

etc.) with my brother, Prof. Read, French with a brother
fond of the modern languages, and studied mathematics
with another, devoted to that branch of study. I found a
letter, a few weeks since, written by the last named, fifty-
six years ago, in which he said: 'Improve your time, read
history — occasionally, a good novel, and don't neglect to
look over your algebra and geometry.'

"I had not thought of becoming a teacher, but when
about nineteen years of age, our pastor suddenly resigned
his position over the church. His wife, a New England
teacher, had opened a young ladies' school, and was in the
middle of a term. She came to me to complete her term;
this I agreed to do with fear and trembling, as many of my
own acquaintances were in the school, some Older than my-
self. After I had taught a few days, this minister con-
cluded to remain. His wife came to me again, wanting her
school. I was ready to yield, but my pupils objected. I
taught two years, after which time I was married to Rev.
Alexander McFerson, who had been a student at Athens.
I was married at Urbana, and went with my husband to
Salem, Ind., where he had been in charge of a church for
a few months. My father took us in his carriage to Day-
ton, Ohio, from thence we went by canal to Cincinnati, by
river to Louisville, by stage to Salem. My husband had
preached here six years, when he caught a violent cold from
riding ten miles in a snow storm, to fill an appointment for
preaching ; this brought on inflammatory rheumatism,
which caused his death. I was left a widow at twenty-
seven, with three babies, the oldest not five years, the
youngest two months old.

"We had a sweet little home of our own, a cow, horse
and carriage, but support was cut ofi" when my husband
died. Two brothers, one a Supreme Judge in Ohio, the
other a Naval Officer, came to see me ; they were distressed
at my condition, and said : 'What can you do but take these
babies and go to father, your brothers will supply you with
the money you need.' They left me $50, quite a gift for
those times. I did not tell them what I would do, but as I
thought over the matter, concluded that I did not choose to
be dependent, giving my children only the advantages they
pleased to allow ; so when my baby was six months old, I
cleared out my parlor, put in desks and opened a school.
After teaching here a year I was invited to take charge of
the Female Seminary, at Bloomingion, Ind., where my old-
est brother was then Professor of Languages in the State
University. I took charge here when my baby was eighteen
months old. Before doing so I went to Cincinnati to look

into schools, to see if there were any new methods of teach-
ing or new text books. I brought teachers from the East,
one a fine musician. There was but one piano in the place
before my own arrival. I had a school of one hundred
young ladies, many coming from a distance with brothers
who came to college. I introduced singing and calisthenics
into my school, which were quite new then, and added in-
terest.

"I kept house with my children and teachers, superin-
tending all myself, and teaching six hours every day. After
a few years, during my fall vacation, I took a trip East to
visit the best schools; this was before the days of many
railroads. I visited the State Normal school at Albany, N.
Y., also the best schools in Hartford, Conn. Here I met
and consulted with Miss Kate Beecher, who was much in-
terested in education, and was connected with a society for
sending teachers to the West.

"I also visited the old Ipswich and Mt. Holyoke Sem-
inaries. At Ipswich I learned some new methods for in-
teresting my girls in spelling, an important branch of edu-
cation.

"I remained ten years in Bloomington, educating my
own children, as well as some orphan girls; two from Sa-
lem, whom I kept in my family several years. All the min-
isters' daughters of the place were received into my school
without charge for tuition. My brother used to say to me :
'I think if you support and educate your own children, you
will be doing well without educating others free." I was
not dependent upon brothers, or any one else, and could do
as I wished. I never received aid from my family during
the years I was bringing up and educating my children,
amounting to one hundred dollars; it was not necessary.
I perhaps, have not had as much sympathy for helpless wo-
men as I should have, but all cannot help themselves. I
had opportunities in my younger days to prepare myself for
this work, and God blessed me with health, and strength,
and energy.

"I taught in Bloomington ten years, then went with
Dr. Monfort as Lady Principal, to Glendale, where I re-

mained five years, until I was called to Evansville to be
with my daughter, (married and settled there), whilst her
husband went to the army.

"I taught eighteen years of my life, and don't remem-
ber that during that time I was absent from school a single
day, on account of illness.

"I feel today like saying with the Psalmist: 'Bless the
Lord, 0, my soul ; and all that is within me, bless His holy
name.'

E. J. McFerson."

CH'APTER XVII.

MRS. E. T. DREW, NOW MRS. BARNES.

Persons who read this volume will expect to see the
familiar name of Mrs. Drew in its pages; though mention
has been made of her before under the name of Mrs.
Barnes, it will not quite satisfy those in whose heart she
occupies so large a place not to find any further mention of
her. Mrs. Drew, as we still like to call her, because it
brings pleasant memories, was a native of Hartford, Conn.,
and was educated in Montreal, Canada, to which place her
parents had removed. She was a niece of Arthur and Wm.
B. Tappan, who were celebrated in their day, both for their
anti-slavery views and for rare intelligence and influence
in New England. The latter was also a poet, some of the
best hymns sung in our churches having been written by
him. Mrs. Drew came to Evansville more than forty years
ago, and was so associated with the church and all its be-
longings, that when she left for a home in New Orleans,
she was missed in every department of it, as well as in al-
most every household. Few persons have done with their
own hands so many acts of kindness as she has done, all
of which it seemed her greatest pleasure to perform.

How many weary nights she has watched by the bed-
side of the sick and suffering, even breaking down her own
health in this way, her labors at one time resulting in a long-
illness. No home where there was trouble was long without
her kindly offices. She was always ready for loving and
generous deeds, which were worth far more than money
to the recipients — making clothing for the destitute and
helping all who needed help. Mrs. Drew was strictly ob-
servant of all her church duties, never failing to be found
in her accustomed place at its services, without regard to

the weather, sickness alone preventing her faithful attend-
ance. She was for many years a manager of the Industrial
School of which Mrs. Samuel Bayard was the president;
also a manager of the Home of the Friendless. The Sunday
School, Missionary Society and every other good work had
her sympathy and support. Time did not dampen her ar-
dor or energy for the accomplishment of any good object,
she was as ready at seventy years of age to engage in any
new plan for the benefit of others as she had been many
years before. Her whole life was given to making everyone
happy, and this she accomplished, in a great measure, by
always being employed in kind and loving acts. Numerous
mementoes of her affectionate regard are cherished keep-
sakes in the homes of her friends. Her example of cheer-
fulness and her disposition to look on the bright side of
every event, was also a source of happiness to others, and
she was a person of whose society one never grew weaiy.
Her friends rejoice to know that she is happy as Mrs,
Barnes, in her beautiful home in Marietta, Ohio, among
new and kind friends.

CHAPTER XVni.

PROFESSOR TINKER.

Milton Z. Tinker was born in
Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio,
June 25th, 1834. His youth was spent
in the ordinary routine of a farm labor-
er. He assisted upon the farm during
the summer, and attended school dur-
ing the winter. In the former capacity
he laid well the foundation for a sound,
physical constitution, such as only agri-
cultural pursuits can give.

He spent most of his leisure mo-
ments in the study of music, applying
himself diligently in all of the several departments, especi-
ally in that of voice culture. He was a regular attendant
upon the exercise of the old-fashioned singing school, musi-
cal institute and musical convention, thereby securing every
advantage to be gained which these gatherings afforded.

In the fall of 1854 he commenced teaching his first day-
school, at a salary of $12 per month, for a term of five

months, and, as the custom was then, "boarded around"
the district. He gave instructions to singing- classes at
night in the communities where he was teaching, a prac-
tice he continued for four successive years.

On the first of May, 1858, he went to Chicago and en-
tered the Normal Musical Institute, of Messrs. Bradbury
& Cady, and took a thorough five months' course upon prac-
tical teaching, including the subject of harmony and voice
training.

He at once began the work of conducting singing
classes, musical institutes, and musical conventions. Suc-
cess crowned his efforts at all of the places he visited.

In the fall of 1863 he was employed by the Board of
Education of the city of Terre Haute, Ind., to introduce
and superintend the instruction of vocal music in the pub-
lic schools of that city. Continuing the work in Terre
Haute until 1867, he then resigned and accepted a like posi-
tion from the Board of Education of the city of Evansville,
Ind. He commenced the work in Evansville on the first of
September, 1867 ,and has held the position continuously
during a period of nearly twenty-five years.

He united with the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church
in 1869. In the fall of 1870 he succeeded Mr. Theo. Russell,
as leader of the choir, and still holds this position. He has
been the leader of the Philharmonic Society, the Lyric So-
ciety, and the Ideal Opera Club. He has, at all times, been
identified with every movement which had for its object
the musical advancement of the people of Evansville.

The choir of Walnut Street Church has been fortunate
in having so competent a leader for so many years as Prof.
Tinker. Father Chute was the first person who led the
choir, and soon after him Col. C. K. Drew, Sr., who in the
"Little Church on the Hill," played on the bass-viol the ac-
companiment to the sacred songs of Zion. His son Col. C.
K. Drew, Jr., who now resides in New Orleans, was the or-
ganist after the new church was built. Miss Amelia Law-
rence, Mrs. Maclean, Miss Laura Thompson, Miss Talbot
and Mr. Arnold Habbe, have filled the position of organist,
which Mrs. Millis now occupies. More atention has been
given to music in the last twenty years than it received
during fifty years before in Evansville. In 1836 the first
piano was brought to the place, and for fifteen years after,
there was but one teacher who gave lessons on that instru-
ment.

No one has contributed more to the entertainment and
advancement of the community, in its music, than Prof.

Tinker. His connection with the public schools, as well as
with the church, has accomplished this. It is impossible
to estimate the good that has been derived from his ser-
vices for the many years past, in which he has trained the
youth in the divine art. Who can say how the undeveloped
minds of the young have been elevated and inspired to the
pursuit of the chaste and ennobling avocations of life by
his teaching? The little untutored urchin in the public
school, in whose home music's sweetest strains are never
heard, and where, perhaps, only discordant sounds have met
his ear, is charmed with the sweet songs he hears in school,
all breathing of purity and love, his little heart is broken
up and the good seed is sown in it which will bring forth
fruit such as never before grew about his humble home.
Music is the solace of life. Who that has been jostled
through its rough highways and filled with care and anxi-
ety, does not gratefully welcome the strains of some old
familiar song? It calms and rests his weary soul.

The music of the present day is more artistic than the
songs of "Lang Syne," but the latter will never lose their
charm ; their notes strike a chord in the heart which will
ever vibrate with pleasure to the sound. We may be
charmed with the brilliant compositions of the greatest
composers, we may drink in the melody of the most gifted
songstress, but there are no sweeter strains to us than
those we first learned to love.

"I remember a song whose numbers throng

As sweetly in memory's twighlight hour,
As the voice of the blest in the realms of rest.

Or the sparkle of dew on a dreaming flower.
T'is a simple air, but when others depart

Like an angle's whisper it clings to my heart.
That song, that song, that old, sweet song,

I gather it up like a golden chain —
Link by link, as to slumber I sink.

And link by link when I awake again ;
I shall hear it I know when the last deep rest

Shall fold me close to the earth's dark breast."

CHAPTER XIX.

REV. LELAND GILLELAND, D. D.

In 1884 Dr. Gilleland was called to supply the pulpit
of Walnut Street Church. On his first appearanc in the
sacred desk he captured the hearts of his hearers by his
earnest and enthusiastic preaching, and throughout the
time that he remained with this people they never lost their
interest in his sermons, and in almost every household they
were the subject of conversation when the service was over.
It is impossible to estimate the extent of value of the good
work accomplished during the six years that he remained in
connection with the church. Dr. Gilleland came to Evans-
ville from Tideout, Penn., and previous to his residence
there he had lived in White Pigeon, Michigan, where he had
charge of a church. Born of Protestant Irish parents, he
inherited their staunch Presbyterian views from which he
never departed, and few men have ever seemd to human
vision, to be worth so much to the church and the world.
That his earthly usefulness was cut short could only be be-
cause some service more grand and fruitful than any on
earth awaited him in the heavenly life. The resignation of
Dr. Gilleland was received by the church with the most
profound regret. He removed to Lake View, Chicago, in
October, 1890, and had entered upon his work with the pro-
mise of a bright future opening before him, when he was
stricken down with disease and died on March 17th, 1891.
It was a noble testimony to his character, as true as it was
exalted, which Dr. Marquis bore at his funeral, when he
said: "I think he was as little influenced by considerations
of personal ambition or emolument as any man I ever knew.
He never asked concerning a project or act, 'what will it do
for or bring me?' but 'what will it do for Christ and for
men?' He was single-eyed in that, the controlling purpose
of his life was to please Him whose servant he was. It is
not to be wondered at that such a man should be rich in
friends, the possession of that best earthly heritage, the de-
voted friendship, the strong confidence and the lasting af-

XXi'f/.:^

\v/i ,•

' ■■■''x./.

Rev. Lelaiid M. Gilleland.

fection of the right minded and sincere. The loss to the
church and the world is to be deplored when such men are
summoned away from a life of usefulness to a higher and
better sphere."

A few weeks after the death of Dr. Gilleland his wife,
who had faithfully nursed him through his long and severe
illness, was taken with the same disease (typhoid fever) of
which he died, and in a few short weeks was laid to rest be-
side him, leaving a young family to be cared for by friends
and relatives. The members of Walnut Street Church and
the church of which Dr. Gilleland was pastor made up a
handsome sum for the education of his children, which was
a praiseworthy act.

Mrs, Gilleland was a valuable aid to her husband in
his work, a pleasant companion and a loving mother, de-
voting herself to the comfort and happiness of her family,
and the blow whicl« severed her from her children and
friends was severely felt. After her husband's death she
was inconsolable, and she was ready to express herself in
the words of Father Ryan:

"My feet are weary and my hands are tired,

My soul's oppressed.
And with desire, I now desire

Rest only rest ;
And I am restless, still

Far down the west
Life's sun is setting, and I see the shore

Where I shall rest."

CHAPTER XX.

THE ELDERS AND EARLIEST MEMBERS OF THE
CHURCH.

The present elders are Messrs. Edward T. Sullivan,
James L. Orr, Robert Smith, J. N. McCoy, Byron Parsons,
Samuel Q. Rickwood, Herman Pfafflin and Melvin H. Lock-
year.

DR. SAWYER AND DR. TYRRELL.

Among those who have resigned or ceased to act in
the capacity of Elder we find the names of Dr. Sawyer and
Dr. C. C. Tyrrell, both of whom are still in Evanscille and
are among the oldest citizens. They have both seen all the
changes that have taken place in Evansville in the last three
or four decades, and are sincere Christian people interest-
ed in the welfare and prosperity of the church.

MR. HIRAM K. WELLS,

Who was also an Elder, has removed with his wife to El-
mira, N. Y., where they reside with their daughter. Few
persons ever lived in Evansville who enjoyed more of the
confidence and respect of every one than Mr. and Mrs.
Wells. They have passed many mile-stones on their life's
journey and are cheerful and happy in their old age.

MR. CHARLES S. WELLS,

A brother of Mr. Hiram K. Wells, came to this place
many years since with his family, only one member of
which, Mrs. Helen Keller, is here at this time. Mr. Wells
was an Elder and superintendent of the Sabbath School and
an excellent man. He died early in life and his loss was
severely felt in the church, as he was one who had a power-
ful influence for good in any place or position.

DANIEL G. MARK

Was a native of Gettysbuprg, Pa. He
came to Evansville in 1850, where he
lived over thirty years. After coming
to the place, Mr. Mark united with Wal-
nut Street Church and was chosen El-
der in 1869. He was one of the most
eff'icient Elders, and spared no pains or
efforts in his power to further the in-
terests of the church, giving generous-
ly of his time and means to the work.
He was an excellent neighbor and
friend, and with a liberal hand extend-
ed help to the poor and needy. His estimable wife survives
him, but has never recovered from the sorrow of her be-
reavement. Mr. Mark served as an Elder with Mr. Shank-
lin, Mr. Orr and Mr. Luke Wood, all of whom, with Mr.
Chas. Wells, have passed away since 1860.

M. MYRON W. SAFFORD

Came to Evansville to establish a school which was taught
in the school house seen in the picture beside the little
Church on the Hill. His wife and her sisters, the Misses
Morton, who assisted in the school, were sisters of the
present Vice President, Hon. Levi P. Morton. They were
all New England people with the staunch principles of that
old land. Mr. Safford was also an elder. He died some years
ago.

GOV. CONRAD BAKER.

Reference has already been made in these pages to
Gov. Baker and his lovely wife, whose presence always
brought life and pleasure into every circle where she was
welcomed. Her bright and happy face is still remembered
by her old friends. She was a sister of Thomas E. Garvin
and Mrs. Louisa Casselberry. Gov. Baker came to Evansville
in early times, and did not wait for church members to call
upon him before he chose his place of worship. He knew
where he belonged, and worshiped as his fathers had done
in the Presbyterian church. He was a lawyer of a high and
honorable character, and this was what won for him the
position of Governor of the State of Indiana. During his
stay here his beloved wife was called from earth, and after
some years he married Miss Charlotte Chute, a daughter
of Father Chute and an estimable woman.

The first house Gov. Baker occupied after coming to
Evansville was a little cottage still standing on Second
street, not far from Walnut Street Church. It was once a
charming little home, made so by tasteful hands. After-
wards Gov. Baker built the house now occupied by Mr. D.
B. Kumler, on First street. After he was elected Governor
he moved to Indianapolis, where his family remained after
his death.

HON. WM. BAKER,

Who was a brother of Gov. Baker, came to this place a few
years later than his brother and was highly esteemed. He
was a native of Pennsylvania which was honored by her
sons. He was educated to thorough business habits, which
told in his success in life. Mr. Baker was mayor of the city
for several years, and to him the city is indebted for
some of its most valuable improvements and the honest ad-

ministration of the law during the period in which he held
office. He and his wife were exemplary members of the
church and were interested in all its affairs and Mr. Baker
rendered it important and valuable service as Treasurer for
15 years. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are neither of them now liv-
ing.

MR. AND MRS. LAWRENCE,

Whose names and faces were familiar to us many years
ago. Mrs. Lawrence was a sister of Mrs. Dr. Sawyer, and
is remembered as a person who had many friends. She was
a genial, kind hearted woman and an efficient member of
the church, always ready to do more than her share of the
hard work so necessary to be done in the church in early
times. When the new church was erected Mr. Lawrence
presented it with a handsome marble pulpit. Mr. and Mrs.
Lawrence are still living, their home is Chicago.

MR. AND MRS. HORACE E. PLUMBER

Were members of the little Church on the Hill. They were
New England people. Mrs. Plumber is still living and has
been a widow many years. She has seen severe affliction,
but welcomes old age with cheerful resignation. Mrs.
Plumber now attends the First Avenue Church, where with-
out doubt she is an energetic worker in its interest, as she
was in the old church.

MRS. J. E. MASON,

Though not one of the oldest members of the church, she
was one of those quiet Christian women whose life was a
lesson from which all could learn truth and purity of pur-
pose. She lived what she believed, by her death her friends
and the church sustained a great loss. She was for years,
together with her husband, a member of the choir. She
now sings the songs of the redeemed.

There are others whose faces would be missed from
their accustomed places as much as the pulpit or the organ,
and it is hoped that their seats may not be vacant for many
years to come. Among these are still some who used to
worship in the old church and sing in its choir.

MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL E. GILBERT,
Both of whom have given many years of faithful service
to the choir, and can be relied upon for the fulfillment of
all the duties required of them as church members. Mr.
Gilbert came to Evansville in 1850 and has been a success-
ful merchant, but is now retired from business. His estim-
able wife is a native of this place and is a sister of David
J. Mackey.

MRS. THOMAS E. GARVIN

Is also remembered as belonging to the choir in years that
are past and is known at this time as a valuable member of
Walnut Street Church, ready to assist in any good work,
kind and warm hearted to her friends of whom she has
many. Beside her in the choir of long ago stood a beloved
relative of hers. The name of Nellie Warner, (afterwards
Mrs. Culbertson), brings before us a queenly and elegant
woman. After her marriage to Mr. Culbertson of New
Albany, she resided in that place where she was highly es-
teemed.

Death, who "loves a shining mark," removed her a few
years since from a lovely home where, with wealth and a
benevolent heart she was accomplishing a great amount of
good. She possessed a remarkable degree of taste and cul-
ture and seemed especially designed as a leader in society,
and in the church. Her efforts in sustaining an orphans'
home were deserving of great praise. She contributed free-
ly of her means, her time and talents to its support. Her
removal from a life of usefulness was very much deplored
in her home and by those intimately associated with her in
works of benevolence and chority.

Of the early members who are still active in church
work are Mrs. James H. Cutler, Dr. and Mrs. Tyrrell, Dr.
and Mrs. Sawyer, MrsMary Babcock, Mrs. Nancy M. Mc-
Clain and Mrs. James Davidson. All of the above persons
have contributed in every way to the good and prosperity
of the church, and are consistent Christian people.

There is also an army of resolute and cheerful servants
in the cause of their Master, those best known to the writer
are Mrs. Samuel Bayard, Mr. and Mrs. Dalzell, Mrs, Isaac
Keen, Mr. James L. Orr, Mrs. Gilchrist, Mrs. James M.
Shanklin, Mrs. Read, Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Sullivan, Mrs. Mathilda Goodge, Mr. W. H. Lehn-

hard, Mr. and Mrs. McCoy, Miss Anna Farrell, Mrs. North
Storms, Mrs. W. S. French, Mr. and Mrs. Phil. C. Decker,
and many of the later members are also worthy of men-
tion herein, besides the young people who are zealous in
good works and with young and willing heart and hands
great good will be accomplished.

The history of the above people should be found in the
next volume.

Besides those before mentioned the church has lost by
death many valuable members. On this list we find the
names of Dr. Wilcox and wife, Mrs. James E. Blythe, Dr.
Morgan and wife, Mrs. James L. Orr, Mr. Sellman, wife
and son, (these were the entire family,- Mr. Swanson and
wife, Mrs. Dutcher, Mrs. Lydia Bell and Mr. Luke Wood,
who was an elder, as was also his grandfather of the same
name who died many years since. Mr. James R. Goodlett
was also an elder in early times. He was the father of our
present mayor, Hon. N. M. Goodlett, and a man of sterling
worth and integrity.

More than thirty families have removed from Evans-
ville to different parts of the country in the last five years,
who were connected with the church. Among those who
went to California was Mrs. George Start, who was an ac-
tive and useful member of the church. Mrs. C. K. Drew
removed to New Orleans, and both of these person? have
passed away from the scenes of time.

Death seems to have been busy in the early days of
the new year. The chimes of '92 had scarcely ceased when
his cold hand was laid upon a good man, once an elder of
Walnut Street Church.

Dr. L. G. Johnson was for several years a resident of
Evansville. He was a homeopathic physician and was highly
respected in this community. His home was in St. Louis
and in a few days after his death his wife was called to fol-
low him to the "better land." Their remains were brought
to this place for interment.

CHAPTER XXII.

THE CHILDREN.

"In memory's mellowing glass how sweet

Our infant days, and childish joys to greet,

To roam in fancy in each cherished scene."

Among those who have a waiTn place in the heart of
the writer are the dear children and to them hearty con-
gratulations are extended that they live in this age of pro-
gress when so many new inventions and improvements
make the world to them almost paradise compared with
what it was years ago when life seemed barren of enjoy-
ment for children. Even the picture books of the present
time are an education to a child.

In a well remembered home of seventy years ago where
there was the best collection of books in the neighborhood,
except the library of the minister, there were but two books
which contained pictures and these were the "Babes in the
Woods" and "Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress." The first was
a good book to call out the sympathies of a child for the
poor little babes in the lonely woods, but what a sad lesson
in human nature was learned from the character of the un-
cle. It is a wonder that the child who read this book was not
afraid of its uncles afterwards. Then Bunyan's old man he
called Christian, who would not lay down his burden, was
a perfect mystery to the childish mind, it could not compre-
hend why he was so persistent in carrying that bundle.
These books were chosen as the most interesting to a child
from among such as Baxter's Saints' Call to the Unconvert-
ed, Jonathan Edwards' writings, and others of a kindred
name and character. The Sunday-school books were the
first that were written for children and some of them were
written for children and some of them were far beyond
their comprehension. The children of this age of the world
are the most important persons in the community, in-

asmuch as there is more thought given to their care,
education and training as well as to their happiness and
welfare than is given to any other class of society, and also
because they are to fill the places now occupied by others
and their influence for good or evil is to affect the world
when the sceptre has fallen from the hands of those who
now rule.

The responsibility resting upon the children of these
days is very great, the facilities' for obtaining knowledge
are so much better than they ever were before, that every
child is in a measure responsible for his improvement of
these opportunities. The children have the benefit of the
knowledge attained by the greatest minds, in science, art
and literature ; the lightning is harnessed and driven at the
will of man; thunder, which was once known only as the
voice of God, is now heard without terror. The earth gives
up its treasures, buried cities, with all the pomp and wealth
of other ages, are excavated, and the temples and palaces
of nations that have passed away, are brought to light.
The revelations of science in the past few years have al-
most made a new world of this mundane and most divine
painting, which lend a refining influence that cannot be de-
rived as well from any other source. Literature provides
for every desire of the mind in pursuit of knowledge or
pleasure ; while there is much literature that it is a great
waste of time to read, there is a wealth of thought in the
best authors that will enrich and elevate the mind of the
studious. Every child should cultivate a taste for music and
reading, and the young should especially choose those au-
thors who give them ideas that they may carry with them
through life, and that will have a good influence upon them
here and hereafter.

The idea at this day, seems very old-fashioned that
young people should not attend theatres and dances, and
play cards. It is either right or wrong to encourage the
pursuit of such pleasures. Many thoughtful and experi-
enced persons have decided that it is wrong, .and are ready
to ask: "Is it right to waste the time that could be better
employed, in preparing for, and attending dances and the-
atres? Is it right to encourage the expenditure of money
in this way, by young persons who need to save their earn-
ings to begin a successful life? Should respectable and re-
ligious parents countenance theatrical people with whom
they could not think of allowing their children even an ac-
quaintance? Is there any good derived from card playing?

If so, does the good counteract the harm which has so often
followed it — the dishonesty and ruin of thousands?"

The time has been when religious persons disapproved
of these amusements, and churches (Walnut Street Church
included), called their members to account to the session
for drinking intoxicating liquors, playing cards and attend-
ing theatres. The question might be asked, are these things
any nearer right now than they were then?

Diversions for children should be simple and well se-
lected ; those should be chosen about which there is no
doubt of their being conducive to health of the body and
mind ; late hours and excitement should always be avoided.

While the minds of the children are developing, the
parents, perhaps, realizing from their own experience that
life may not be to them always a garden of flowers, en-
deavor to afford them all the pleasure in their power to con-
tribute, and with great painstaking and trouble they fur-
nish entertainments of various kinds, none of which are
enjoyed to their fullest extent more than those of the
Christmas holidays. Fifty years ago Christmas was
scarcely talked of and never celebrated in Evansville. The
old English people were sometimes known to tell of what
they used to do in England at Christmas. There were a
few Episcopalians or Catholics here then who would have
been most likely to have noticed that day; the other de-
nominations were not quite sure about the date of the event
which Christmas commemorates and it passed quietly
away. Now all seem to agree upon the same tim.e, and the
churches from the old Puritan stock are ready to mark the
day with festivities, and even the Jev/ish people give pre-
sents to their friends and children on Christmas.

The following newspaper account of a meriy Christ-
mas entertainment for the children, finds a place here with
the hope that in some unaccountable manner this volume
may survive the wreck of years, and perhaps be found
among the other rubbish of some garret in the latter part
of the twentieth century (when the manner of spending
Christmas may have changed as much as it has in this
century), and may aft'ord some of the remote posterity of
the actors in the celebration of 1891 an opportunity of see-
ing how their ancestors spent Christmas:

SANTA AT CHURCH

THE CROWNING EVENT OF CHRISTMAS-TIDE
—CHILDREN MADE HAPPY.

A Delightful Evening Spent at Walnut Street Presbyterian
Church

"Last evening the parlors of Walnut Street Presbyteri-
an Church were well filled with the boys and girls of the
Sunday School and their friends who came to enjoy to-
gether the Christmas entertainment.

The room was beautifully decorated with palms, holly,
Alabama smilax and mistletoe, and bright lamps added to
the pleasing effect. A stage had been erected in the corner
of the room, on which was a fire-place with a tall brick
chimney. The bright-faced happy children in their pert-
tiest clothes made by far the sweetest and most attractive
picture.

After the opening chorus and an appropriate talk from
Mr. James L. Orr, the infant class marched in and took
their places on the platform, where they knelt and repeated
a sweet little prayer. Miss Bessie Valentine made the open-
ing adress very cutely.

In 'Christmas Music,' Milton Pullis, Walter Schnaken-
burg, John Storms, Jessie Connor, Edward Hankins, Allen
Hawkins and Hallie Crawford represented musical instru-
ments.

Misses Mabel Lahr, Madeline Norton, Lillie Hodson,
Mamie Goodge, Louise Robinson, Eloise Decker, Mabel Mel-
vin and Mildred Cutler represented a flower in the "Christ-
mas wreath.'

The tableaux were a very pleasing part of the even-
ing's entertainment. In 'Christmas Rich and Poor,' Helen
Paine, Helen Venneman and Carl Schnakenburg made a
very pretty picture, and Miss Emily Sullivan will not soon
be forgotten as she stood leaning upon the cross in 'Rock
of Ages.'

A quartet was admirably rendered by Messrs. Walter
Decker, Harry Little and John Strain. Little Misses Edith
Wing and Ruth Lehnhard sang 'Christmas Thoughts' very
sweetly, and Messrs. M. Z. Tinker and Oliver C. Decker de-
lighted the audience by their rendition of 'Star of Bethle-
hem.'

At the close, Santa Claus with Frances Overman, Lo-
raine Cutler and Tunis Ross made two beautiful tableaux,
'Christmas, Night and Morning,' and as an ending Santa
Claus came through the window with the remark that
Christmas was over and he had no presents left, but a hap-
py thought struck him, that he might distribute the bricks
from the chimney as he would have no further use for
it this year. Accordingly it was torn down and to their de-
light and surprise each one found himself possessed of a
brick in the form of a box of candy.

One of the things about the whole was the donation
given by the boys and girls as a Christmas offering to Park
Chapel.

Both old and young were so pleased with the success
that they decided to re-appoint the same committee, Mrs.
Sue M. Barton, Mr. Will C. Paine and Mr. James L. Orr to
attend to all their future affairs of this kind."

CHAPTER XXIII.

In giving an account of the lives of all the good men
and women who are mentioned in these pages, full justice,
perhaps, in some instances, may not have been done ; at the
siame time there has been no desire on the part of the com-
piler of this book to over-rate anyone whose name appears
in it. The fact that in the long period of seventy years,
among those pastors mentioned, there has been no one who
has not honored his calling, is a subject of congratulation.
It will be seen that the subjects of some of these sketches
have shown great energy and practiced great self-denial in
order to fit themselves for the life they choose, and that the
desire to do good was the ruling motive of their labors.
There is a sublimity in the thought of men devoting their
lives to the good of others. The world holds out many in-
ducements to follow its varied pursuits of pleasure, fame
and wealth, which may all array themselves before young
men, but those who choose the ministry for their calling
seldom look forward to any of these. The reward of the
just and merciful will be theirs.

It has been impossible to obtain sketches of all the El-
ders deceased, as well as photographs of some of the clergy-
men.

Several of the pastors have furnished their histories,
which has been a great assistance in collecting facts in re-

gard to their lives, and for this they will please accept many
thanks. Some of the pastors were not married, others had
wives who had the care of families of small children, or
who were invalids, which prevented their being- efficient
workers outside of their own homes, and though sketches
of them might be interesting as those written, it has not
been possible to obtain them.

To the kindness and skill of Mr, Charles V, Worthing-
ton and Mr, W, S, Douglas, is due the credit of the portraits
and illustrations.

If there is anything in these pages that can give of-
fense to anyone, it is unintentional, and there is no one to
blame but the writer, who has only good will to all.

The church records contain over four hundred names
of members of the church ; also the names of one hundred
and thirty baptized persons. They show that one hundred
and thirty-two persons have been married by the ministers
of the church within the last five years.

There is one feature that is worthy of note in the rules
of the Presbyterian Church, which is that a person once a
member is always a member, until dismissed by letter, and
wherever he goes or whatever befalls him, the church never
loses its interest in his welfare and happiness ; its sym-
pathies go out to him in affliction, and it rejoices with him
if he rejoice. There are the names of some on the church
books as members, who were reared in the atmosphere of
church influences, who, for reasons of their own, are no
longer devoted to the church as formerly. This must be a
source of deep regret to those who valued their society and
influence, and if the time ever comes when their interest in
the church and its welfare revives, they will be joj^fully
welcomed back to its services and its friendship. When one
gives up the God and faith of his fathers, he is like a ship
at sea without a rudder or compass, he is blown about by
everj^ "wind of doctrine." When he loses sight of the light-
house of Faith. Hope also disappears.

In calling to mind the scenes and persons of the past
and particularly those who have been gone from us so long,
the writer, although not a spiritualist, has seemed to shake
hands with these old friends, and recollections come up of
the pleasant social intercourse enjoyed with them. Do they

100

know that they are remembered ,and do they think of their
old friends?

There are few of the older church members living, and
as the ''whispering- leaves" of life's autumn fall around
them, and one after another of those who have walked to-
gether in life's pleasant pathway, disappear among the
shadows, may those who take their places find only "ways
of pleasantness and paths of peace,"

"When on my day of life the night is falling
And, in the winds from unsunned places blown,

I hear far voices out of darkness calling
My feet to paths unknown.

Thou who hast made my home of life so pleasant,
Leave not its tenant when its walls decay.

0 Love divine, 0 Helper ever present.
Be thou my strength and stay.

Be near me when all else is from me drifting.

Earth, sky, home's pictures, days of shade and shine,

And kindly faces to my own uplifting
The love which answers mine.

1 have but Thee, 0 Father! Let Thy spirit
Be with me then to comfort and uphold ;

No gate of pearl, no branch of palm, I merit,
Nor street of shining gold.

Suffice it if — my good and ill unreckoned.

And both forgiven thro' Thy abounding grace —

I find myself by hands familiar beckoned
Unto my fitting place.

Some humble door among Thy many mansions.

Some sheltering shade, where sin and striving cease,

And flows forever through Heaven's green expansions
The river of Thy peace.

There, from the music round about me stealing,
I fain would learn the new and holy song.

And find, at last, beneath Thy trees of healing.
The life for which I long."

Mary French Reilly.

101

History of the
Walnut Street Presbyterian Church

PART II.

DEDICATION

To the children and young people of the church of today

this volume is dedicated,

with the hope, that,

inspired by its story of faith and good works

they may be able to do greater things than these

in the years to come.

102

THE PILGRIM CHURCH.

(Hymn quoted by Rev. W. H. McCarer in his last sermon in
the old Church, Sunday, February 26th, 1860.)

"Far down the ages now.
Much of her journey done.

The Pilgrim Church pursues her way
Until her crown be won.

The story of the Past

Comes up before her view.

How well it seems to suit her still,
Old and yet ever new.

It is the oft-told tale

Of sin and weariness,
Of grace and love yet flowing down,

To pardon and to bless.

No wider is the gate.

No broader is the way.
No smoother is the ancient path

That leads to Life and day.

No sweeter is the cup.

Nor less our lot of ill,
'Twas tribulation ages since,

'Tis tribulation still.

No slacker grows the fight,

No feebler is the foe.
Nor less the need of armor tried

Of shield and spear and bow.

Thus onward yet we press
Thro' evil and through good.

Thro' pain and poverty and want.
Thro' perils and through blood.

Still faithful to our God,

And to our Captain true.
We follow where He leads the way.

The Kingdom in our view."

104

CONTENTS— PART II.

1. Introduction.

2. In Memoriam — Mary F. Reilly.

3. The Evolution of a Soul.

4. Men's Organizations —
Session, Trustees, Brotherhood.

5. Women's Organizations —
Missionary Society, Ladies' Aid.

6. Young People's Organizations —

Sabbath School, Y. P. S. C. E., Girls' Circles and Boys'
Clubs.

7. The Choir.

8. Rev. Otis A. Smith, D. D.— 1891.

9. Rev. Samuel N. Wilson, D. D.— 1896.

10. Rev. Charles Nickerson, D. D.— 1901.

11. Rev. John Kennedy, D. D.— 1907.

12. Rev. Leslie Whitcomb— 1919.

13. Some Prominent Members.

14. War Record.

15. Centennial Celebration.

16. The Future.

105

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

By George S. Clifford.

PIONEER DAYS.

Accustomed to the comforts and luxuries of the twen-
tieth century, we, who are in 1921 celebrating the establish-
ment of the first Presbyterian church in Evansville one
hundred years ago, may better appreciate the event by re-
calling the conditions of that time and the difficulties the
founders had to overcome.

For many years after Kentucky had been admitted into
the Union of States the Ohio river protected the savage
red men from farther encroachment by their white foes.
Gradually, however, the more venturesome pioneers pushed
their way across the wide river and little settlements were
established in the great Northwest territory.

The battle for the necessities of life and against sick-
ness and the many foes of the forest left the early settlers
little time for the higher things of life.

In 1804, the government by treaty, acquired from the
Indian tribes this land in Southwestern Indiana and opened
it for settlers at two dollars per acre — one quarter casli;
but so poor were the people that many were unable to make
the deferred payments so, following the great business de-
pression of 1819, the government in 1821 reduced the price
to one dollar and a quarter per acre.

In 1822, many western banks failed and there was no
longer any circulating medium. Coon skins became the
basis for financial transactions of a limited nature.

The years 1820-21-22 were years of hard times at-
tended by a great amount of sickness and many deaths.

In 1824, the entire assessed value of the village of
Evansville was little more than twenty-seven thousand dol-
lars.

106

There was little attention given to maintaining civil
government. For almost three years, 1825-28, there is no
record of any meeting of the town trustees and Evansville
practically ceased to exist as a civil corporation.

The year 1832 was noted for the cold weather, the flood
and the cholera. There was no thermometer in the village,
but the river was frozen over to a thickness of twenty inches
and the weather was described as "cold, cold, bitter cold."
When the spring flood came the water backed up from Pig-
eon Creek through the ravine which ran along where our
court house now stands, until it lacked only six inches of
meeting the waters which ran down the ravines from the
southeast of the village.

In September came the cholera which carried off
twenty-five or thirty of the population of about two hundred
and twenty-five.

Such was the little settlement in which the first Pres-
byterian church was organized in 1821, for which the first
church building was erected in 1832.

The church owes its birth to the missionary zeal of the
Presbyterians of Kentucky.

That the church organization could be preserved thru
years of such discouragemients and a house of worship built
in a year of such hard times and suffering, should cause us
to rejoice and give thanks for the unyielding Christian char-
acter of our sturdy forefathers.

PRESBYTERIAL AFFILIATIONS.

All that part of the Northwestern Territory which now
forms the State of Indiana, was originally in the Transyl-
vania Presbytery, Synod of Kentucky, which presbytery in
the early years of the nineteenth century sent missionaries
into the Territory of Indiana to preach and establish Presby-
terian churches.

In 1815 this territory was made a part of the Presby-
tery of Miami, Synod of Ohio. In 1817, all that part of In-
diana west of a line drawn due north from the mouth of
Kentucky river was attached to the Pre&bytery of Louisville.

In 1823 that part of the Presbytery of Louisville which
was in Indiana was constituted Salem Presbytery, Synod of
Kentucky.

107

In 1824, that part of Indiana lying south and west of a
line from the mouth of Green river due north twenty miles
and thence northwest to ^he mouth of White River, was
attached to the Presbytery of Muhlenburg, where it re-
mained until 1827, when it was returned to Salem Presby-
tery, and then in 1829 became a part of Wabash Presbytery,
when the lines between these two were changed.

The Synod of Indiana was organized in 1826, the first
meeting being held in the Court House at Vincennes in Oc-
tober of that year.

In 1830 the name of Wabash Presbytery was changed
to Vincennes Presbytery.

When in 1838 the division occurred throughout the church
into Old School and New School branches, Evansville, with
four other churches in this neighborhood, transferred to
Salem Presbytery, which with the Presbyteries of Madison,
Crawfordsville and Logansport, constituted the Synod of In-
diana, N. S.

In 1846, Evansville Presbytery was organized, but it
existed only three years when it was dissolved and the Ev-
ansville church returned to Salem Presbytery.

Upon the reunion of the two branches in 1870, the
presbyteries of Indiana were reconstructed and the Evans-
ville church became a member of the reformed Vincennes
Presbytery.

The name Vincennes Presbytery was changed to In-
diana Presbytery when the Cumberland Presbyterian
church united with the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., in
1906.

This gives the presbyterial connections during the first
centuiy.

108

CHAPTER II.

FOREWORD.

In taking up the History of the last thirty years of
Walnut Street Presbyterian Church, it seems to me emin-
ently fitting, first, to pay tribute to Mrs. Mary F. Reilly, the
author of the delightful memories of the past, narrated in
Part 1.

An editorial, published at the time of her death, brings
her vividly before us.

A NOBLE LIFE.

"Every community has a few distinctive characters who
serve as links connecting the present and the past. They
adapt themselves well enough to the custom of today and
look with a kindly tolerance upon the changed conditions
since they were young, but they love the long ago with its
myriad memories, its tender and heroic associations, when
men and women too, practiced kindnesses toward each other
more than they do now and were capable of self-denial and
even hardship, if necessary, as tributes to friendship. As
one by one they pass away the interest and attachment not
only of contemporaries but of those who have come later
upon the stage grow stronger for the ones who are left, es-
pecially when patriarchal years are but the crown of a per-
sonality rich in every endowment of nature from whatever
point of view it may be considered.

"Mary French Reilly, who died yesterday, has been a
striking figure in the life of Evansville for considerably
more than a half century. Only her early girlhood was spent
in New England where she was born of Puritan stock, be-
ing a lineal descendant of William Bradford, one of the pil-
grims of the Mayflower. Among her later ancestry was
Bezaleel Howe, who was an own brother of her grand-
mother, Edith Howe. His name will be found in history and
in the army record of the country as an officer of Washing-
ton's army. Others of her immediate kindred were in all
of the battles around Boston including the one at Concord
where the first shot of the revolution was fired, "the shot,"
as Emerson said, "that was heard around the world." To
hear her recount incidents of the struggle for independence
which had come down as a part of direct family tradition
gave those who listened a vivid realization of the sublime
battle for liberty.

"It was in 1834 that Mary French Reilly first came to

109

Evansville which was then a mere hamlet on the river bank.
Two older sisters had preceded her, both of whom are long-
since dead. At the age of sixteen she returned to the East
and became a pupil in one of the best schools in Albany, New
York, living with an elder brother who was established in
business there. After two years' study in this school and
becoming proficient in music, she returned to Evansville,
bringing with her the first piano ever brought to this part of
Indiana. It was a gift of her brother and is still an inter-
esting relic of the home she has just left. During all the
vicissitudes of life in those early days, Mary Wilson, the
educated New England girl, afterwards the wife of William
Reilly, was an interesting figure. There are still living a
few, only a very few, who remember her in those days and
can recall how ever ready she was to add to the enjoyment
of those of her own age, to assist those in distress, to sym-
pathize with the bereaved. Old and young, rich and poor,
the cultured and the illiterate — yes, even black as well as
white — every one with a heavy cross to bear, whether sick-
ness or sorrow or disappointment, always found her ready
to give a part of her cheery nature toward brightening up
the pathway before him, no matter how dark it was. The
spirit of the true Samaritan was illustrated in her life. Her
kindnesses were not marred by the cold calculations of duty
but sprung from an impulse that she could not resist. These
are not partial words. They will be repeated over and over
again today by many of this community who have known
how sweet it was to have her for a friend.' '

The large window at the front of the church, inscribed,
"In remembrance of the members of this church in early
days — they rest from their labors and their works do fol-
low them," was paid for partly from the profits on the sale
of her book and is thus a true memorial of her and her in-
valuable service in preserving for us the traditions of the
past.

In fulfillment of a promise made to Mrs. Reilly years
ago, and almost forgotten, I take up the task she laid down
and shall endeavor to continue, in the same spirit, the rec-
ord of the last thirty years to the present time ; being of the
third generation of those who worshipped in the "Little
Church on the Hill."

Delving into the musty volumes of the records of ses-
sion, trustees and sewing society, so faithfully kept by sec-
retary and treasurer, many interesting things have come to
light which are here also set down as a connected story of
the faith and good works of a century.

CHAPTER III.

THE EVOLUTION OF A SOUL.

With an inherited marble pulpit, family portraits and
mahogany furniture, Walnut Street Church has come into
possessions of marked spiritual characteristics of mind and
heart, which endear her to her members. This evolution of
soul has been wrought by men and women "of like passions
with ourselves," who sought prayerfully and earnestly to
follow the example of the ministering Christ. These fur-
nishings of the Spirit, too, we must preserve and hand down
to generations yet to come.

Records kept from the earliest times show the founda-
tions to have been laid deep in faith and principle and broad
in fellowship and charity.

She has had always an educated ministry.

The first ministers were home missionaries from the
East, graduates of Theological Seminaries, fired with zeal
for the salvation of the new states of the distant West. Their
successors have always been men of broad college education
and scholarly attainments, whose exposition of the scrip-
tures and evangelical fervor have stirred both mind and
heart.

In the three stages of Evansville's progress, education-
ally, Walnut Street has played no mean part. Mrs. Jeremiah
Barnes, wife of the minister, established a school for young
ladies. Mr. W. Safford in his private Classical School,
held in the Sunday School building adjoining the church,
laid well the foundation of education for many of the lead-
ing men and women of the last century. Mr. Horatio
Q. Wheeler, founder of the public schools of Evansville, and
Mr. Wm. Baker, one of the first trustees, added the super-
structure of universal training and Mr. George S. ClitTord
has helped to build a capstone in Evansville College. All
through the years, public school superintendents and teach-
ers have been members of the session and congregation.

While firm in her faith, she has been broad in her fel-
lowship.

She has welcomed to her pulpit men of all denomina-
tions and has been active in every union effort of the vari-
ous churches for evangelistic meetings or community wel-
fare. Her lecture room has been used freely for all move-
ments of social uplift.

In all misunderstandings with other Presbyterian
churches, she has been conciliatory and "forbearing in love,"

111

heeding the admonition, "As much as lieth in you, live peace-
ably with all men.' '

Through all the years she has had a world vision. To
pray and to give to missions has been her duty and delight.
In the midst of her struggles with pioneer conditions, with
pressing need at home and crippling debt ever at her door,
she seldom failed to send monthly contributions to the vari-
ous Boards of the Church. Usually a Sabbath Service and
one prayer meeting a month has been set aside, by decree of
the session, for the study of missions and for intercessory
prayer.

On the other hand, she has always felt deeply her re-
sponsibility for couiuninity service. Two mission churches.
First Avenue and Parke Memorial, were established and
maintained until self-supporting.

Just after the Civil War the session received and ap-
proved a plan for the union with other churches in the sup-
port of a city missionary. The trained community nurses,
who replace the practical volunteers, have always her gen-
erous support in money and supplies.

The Church has been foremost in every city movement
for good. Its members have been active leaders and gen-
erous donors to the Y. M. C. A., Temperance Reform and
Y. W. C. A., Visiting Nurse and Babies' Milk Fund, Sewing
Schools, forerunner of the vocational. Boy Scouts, Associ-
ated Charity and Community Welfare. In one year $30,000
was given by Walnut Street to Y. M. C. A., Olivet and Wash-
ington Avenue churches.

She has endeavored to cultivate the grace of cordiality
and sociabilitij, her ideal, a true Christian Democracy, with
no lines of caste or class. Ministers and members who move
to other communities refer lovingly to their happy church
home in Walnut Street. In the few disagreements, there
has always been some wise leader to suggest a compromise
or smooth the troubled waters. Friendly rivalry there has
been, but no factions, intolerant of the rights of others.

All of these things have begotten a remarkable loyalty
and devotion for the Church of our fathers, which has
caused the members three times to refuse suggestions of
union with other Presbyterian churches, theoretically desir-
able but practically inadvisable.

May the soul evolved through a hundred years of "faith
provoking works", still inspire to renewed effort for the
Church and the Community.

112

CHAPTER IV.

MEN'S ORGANIZATIONS— THE SESSION.

Presbyterianism, with its essential idea of representa-
tive government came to Evansville as a home missionary
impulse of the earlier and well-established town of Hender-
son, Kentucky. Twelve men and women were gathered to-
gether in 1821 by Rev. D. C. Banks, minister of the Presby-
terian Church at that place, as the beginning of the Evans-
ville Presbyterian Church. These names, form the first en-
try in the musty volume of the Session, its pages yellow with
age: Daniel Chute, James R. E. Goodlett, Wm, Olmsted, Abi-
gail Fairchild, Julia Ann Harrison, Rebecca Wood, Mrs.
Chandler, Mr. Butler, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Elizabeth Sher-
wood, Eli Sherwood, Mrs. 0. Warner.

Of this number, Daniel Chute, the schoolmaster, and J.
R. E. Goodlett, were at once elected Elders, Judge Olmsted
replacing J. R. E. Goodlett in a few years. In 1832, when
the first church was built, there were twenty-three names
on the roll, several husbands of loyal women being, how-
ever, generous contributors. Several of these afterwards
came into active membership.

There are several descendants of those who worshipped
in the Little Church on the Hill before the building of this
present church, now on the active membership roll:
1836— Mr. Samuel Orr, Elder ; Mrs. Martha Orr.

Grandchildren — Mr. Samuel L. Orr, Mrs. Geo. S.
Clifford.

Great-grandchildren — Samuel Orr, 3rd, George and
James Clifford.
1837— Daniel Morgan, M. D., Trustee.

Daughter — Miss Julia Morgan.

Granddaughter — Miss Matilda Dixon.
1842— Mrs. McDonald (Farrell).

Daughter — Mrs. Robert Smith.
1850 — Mrs, Cornelia Morris Garvin.

Granddaughter — Mrs. J. Stuart Hopkins.

Great-granddaughter — Susan Hopkins.
1850 — Mr. James Swanson, Trustee.

Grandson — Mr. Al Swanson.
1854 — Mrs. Ann Davidson.

Daughters — Miss Mary Davidson, Mrs. Susan
Brown, Miss Henrietta Davidson.
1856 — Miss Lavinia Scantlin.

113

1856 — Mrs. Jane Scantlin.

Daughter — Miss Ethel Scantlin.
1856 — Mr. James H. Cutler, Trustee.
1857 — Mrs. Lorain Cutler.

Son— Mr. Will H. Cutler.

Granddaughters — Mrs. Adolph, Geiss, Miss Lorain
Cutler.
1856— Mrs. Mary E. Babcock.

Grandson — Mr. Henry Babcock Veatch.
1856 — Miss Laura Moore (Mrs. Laura Linck).
Daughter — Mrs. John Owen.
Grandsons — John and Francis Owen.
1861— Mrs. Nancy McClain.

Granddaughter — Mrs. S. Bohrer.

Mrs. Lorain Cutler and Miss Lavinia Scantlin are the
only living members of that original church. Mrs. Cutler
celebrated her 91st birthday in the summer of 1921, and is
still a regular attendant at the various services of the
church. Mr. George Goodge was a member of the S. S.. He
and Mrs. Goodge celebrated their golden wedding several
years ago. Miss Annie Reilly, the daughter of Mrs. Mary
F. Reilly is an active member today.

Of all the rest, who are but names to us, surely a book
of remembrance has been written before the Lord, for them,
who feared Him and that thought upon His name.

One of the traditions handed down by word of mouth is,
that in those early days the Church on the Hill could only be
approached in bad weather by crossing a deep mire at its
base. It was, therefore, the custom to announce at morning
service, that Bro. S. would wait at a distant corner with a
lantern to illumine the path of those desiring to "ascend into
the Hill of the Lord," for evening meeting. We can picture,
in imagination, that procession of the faithful few, in high
hats and long coats, voluminous long skirts and bonnets, in
brooding darkness, following the single gleam of light to
the place of worship.

In these days of the assertion of individual rights and
universal tolerance, certain incidents of the discipline of the
Session of the early days narrated in the minutes, may be
of interest. With the elders of those early days it was a
duty not to be evaded, to be "overseers of the flock" — to ad-
monish and discipline when necessary.

Mrs. Reilly hints at cases of discipline, but the minutes
are very explicit:

"January 18, 1852.

114

"Mr. G. B. cited to appear before Session and give rea-
sons for his neglect of the means of grace as dispensed
in this church and answer the inquiry as to his having
been seen by the pastor under the influence of ardent
spirits. At the meeting Mr. B. admitted having ab-
sented himself from means of grace. He also admitted
that he had drank liquor frequently and had been seen
by the pastor of the church very much under its in-
fluence. Reason given was that he thought it neces-
sary for his health, though it did not appear so to the
Session.

"It was finally resolved,

"That Mr. G. B. is hereby suspended from the commun-
ion of the church until he shall give satisfactory evi-
dence of repentance. Mr. B. was also apprised that the
object of his suspension was to reclaim him to a chris-
tian course and that it would be his duty to improve this
action of the church, and that if he should be persisting
in the course he had so long pursued — refuse to hear
the church — then he must be wholly excommunicated
from it."

The records show a number of cases brought before the
Session on account of overindulgence in ardent spirits. Some
years later when Evansville was beginning to be a city, there
is the record of a case where a father and son were cited to
appear before the Session. The father charged by common
fayne with intoxication and neglect of the worship and or-
dinances of Gods' House ; the son, with unchristian conduct
in habitually attending the theatre and frequenting places of
dissipated resort. The pastor reported that the son had con-
fessed to him that he attended the theatre and that it had
been reported to him by his father and mother, and mem-
bers of the Session were able to affirm that they had seen
him in doubtful company and hanging around places of evil
resort, as billiard saloons, restaurants, etc.

All these things our fathers believed scandalized the
good name of the church and they were not only very jealous
of that good name, but they also wanted to reclaim the sin-
ners— and adverse action was taken deliberately and prayer-
fully and only after personal appeals had failed.

As late as 1894 an elder was appointed by the Session
to wait upon a member "charged by common fame with un-
christian conduct."

In 1908 the Session of Walnut Street Church issued in-
vitations to the pastors and elders of all the Presbyterian
Churches of the city to meet at Walnut Street and discuss

115

the advisability of the organization of a Presbyterian Alli-
ance, Mr. Kennedy, the pastor, having been a member of
such an alliance in Detroit, Mich. Its object was a closer
fellowship between the churches and concerted action in the
establishment of mission churches. Mr. George Clifford of
Walnut Street was elected its first president. It was in ex-
istence only a few years. Instead of unity, today the Pres-
byterian Churches are divided into two schools of theology
with membership in opposing ministerial associations.

From 1870-1896, the membership varied from 227 to
485, the present roll about 300.

The present Communion Set was purchased in 1864
for use in the new church, the change to individual glasses
being made in Dr. Nickerson's pastorate.

Two young men of the congregation have entered the
ministry with the help and encouragement of the Session,
both attending Wabash College:

Charles Perkins, 1871,
August Sonne, Class of '96.

There is still in use on the pulpit a large Bible, pub-
lished in 1827, inscribed "Presented to the First Presby-
terian Church by the Young Men of the Congregation."

Also preserved is a leather volume inscribed, "Prison
Record" Walnut St. Presbyterian Church, 1870, which i?j
calculated to arouse some curiosity. Turning its pages we
find detailed records of prisoners in the County Jail ,visited
by godly eldei-s, ministering in the Masters' name and for
His sake.

In 1882 the Session was enlarged and rotation of eld-
ers inaugurated, the term being three years.

Mr. James L. Orr and Mr. Byron Parsons were among
those elected at that time, and were re-elected until Mr. Orr
had served 37 years at the time of his death. Mr. Parsons
is still active, which makes his the longest term on record.
Mr. Melvin H. Lockyear served as clerk of the Session 25
years, being elected to the eldership in 1891.
On the present Board today, are:
H. W. Little, Clerk M. H. Lockyear

Byron Parsons J. M. Culver

Geo. S. Clifford S. M. Rutherford

W. L. Sullivan M. R. Kirk

W. E. Wilson C. W. Clarke

H. J. Pfafflin Fred Ruff

The chief concern of the elders and the principle sub-

116

ject of discussion, recorded in the minutes, is the spiritual
condition of the church. In the old days, when Zion lan-
guished," it was cause for sorrow and prayer, for planning
protracted meetings usually under the leadership of Rev.
Henry Little, Synodical Home Missionary and Saint of God,
in later years uniting with other churches in great taber-
nacle evangelistic meetings. When numbers were converted
and enthusiasm revived, there was joy and thanksgiving
among the elders on earth as well as the angels in Heaven.

MEN'S ORGANIZATIONS— BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

The official title of the church has always been the Ev-
ansville Presbyterian Church, but it has been at various
times popularly known as "The Little Church on the Hill,"
the "Old" Presbyterian, the "First" Presbyterian, and the
"Walnut St. Presbyterian Church." Mrs. Reilly gives in de-
tail the efforts of trustees in 1831 to purchase a lot and erect
a meeting house.

In 1848 there was a movement to build a new church
in a different location, but it was dropped and we find in the
records committees appointed to repair steps and fences
and redecorate the interior "agreeably to the wishes of the
ladies inasmuch as they have to foot the bills." The trus-
tees that year were Alonson Warner, John Shanklin, Sam-
uel Orr, Daniel Woolsey and Conrad Baker.

Treasurers' books from 1849-1872 are preserved and
show frequent personal advances to meet current expenses,
which are carried as a note for years, but finally ordered
paid and allowed on future assessments. Our businesslike
budget is no new thing, for in 1857, Dr. Daniel Morgan,
Chairman of Finance Committee, presented an itemized es-
timate of receipts and expenditures showing a probable de-
ficiency of $57.00, "provided all relied upon is collected." The
congregation promptly added to the "probable deficiency" by
increasing the pastor's salary $200.00, making it $1,000.00

The election of trustees and the renting of pews were
for many years advertised in the daily newspapers, and
spirited bidding for the first choice of pews was encouraged.

One cannot but wonder at the faith of the trustees who
undertook the building of this church in 1860, and their
names deserve to be recorded: —

Wm. Baker, Treasurer Charles S. Wells

John W. Foster, Secretary James Swanson
James E. Blythe Dr. Daniel Morgan

117

Dr. Morgan and Mr. Swanson were especially active,
being on the committee to select and purchase the ground,
engage contractors, oversee construction, even to the "count-
ing of the bricks." Dr. Morgan was graduated from Yale
College in 1837, the same year coming to Evansville and
uniting with the Presbyterian Church. Although one of the
leading physicians of the town, he found time for this im-
portant church duty, climbing to the top of the steeple when
in process of construction and watching every little detail.
An itemized account of reecipts and expenditures was sys-
tematically kept by the Treasurer in a small blank book
which is preserved.

The summary of the Church Erection Fund in 1861 is
as follows :

Lot sold ..$8,575.00

Subscriptions 5,252.43

Loans 1,800.00

Interest 87.67

Ladies' Sewing Society 975.00

Old bell 146.80

(Old bell — weight 400 pounds, sold to packet City of Evans-
ville, at Cincinnati.)

Disbursements.

Lot purchased $ 1,739.26

Excavation 172.20

Sand and water 360.95

Incidentals 581.44

Rock work 741.43

Basement floor 21.28

Brick and brick work 5,290.00

Clark's contract 3,307.70

Lumber _ 2,165.44

Lime 460.60

Iron work 785.31

Painting 10.00

Roofing 222.00

Contract 100.00

$15,957.69

Among other items for the completion of the upstairs
auditorium in 1863, $3,750 for carpenter work and seats in
allowed.

Plans and specifications were furnished by S. D. Button
of Philadelphia. Levi S. Clark was superintendent of con-
struction. Slate was purchased in New Orleans. Mr. George

113

Lant, Sr., had the brick contract with Mr. George W. Goodge
as apprentice. Both Mr. Lant and Mr. Goodge are still
living, Mr. Lant in his 92nd year.

Mr. George W. Goodge, requested for some remini-
scenses, writes: "I attended Sabbath School and Church
services in the little frame Church on the Hill which stood
on the alley corner on the east side of Second Street between
Main and Locust, where Strouse and Bros, store is now lo-
cated. There was a vacant space of ground between the
church and a frame store on the corner where Schlaepfer's
Drug Store now stands. I attended the church between the
years of 1853 and 1858. Rev. Wm. H. McCarer was the min-
ister, a man not only loved by the members of the church
but also by the people generally. In the year 1859 I went
with Lant Brothers to learn the brick laying trade and in
1860 they were given the contract to build the church build-
ing on the corner of Second and Walnut. Their contract
called for the wrecking of the little Church on the Hill and
I was sent to help in the work of tearing down. Although
sixty-one years have passed, I have not forgotten the wasps.
In those early days they were thick in the cracks and crev-
ices of all buildings and fought hard when their homes were
destroyed. They had lodged in the cornice of the church
and stung the workmen . It was in the Lant Brothers' con-
tract to use two thousand of the old brick out of the foun-
dation of the old church in the new building, which was
done. I worked on the building till it was ready for the
roof."

The name "Evansville Presbyterian Church," made in
wooden letters, cut by hand from a single piece of wood, was
nailed to the front of the church. Two letters "L" and "E",
were preserved by Mr. Goodge and recently presented to
the church.

The subscription list included all the prominent mer-
chants of the town, of all creeds.

The indebtedness in 1863, on the completion of the
building, was $10,200.00 — a sum to daunt the bravest hearts.

It was not entirely paid off until 1881. During Mr.
Kumler's pastorate and under his persuasive eloquence in
spite of debt, the church benevolences increased three-fold,
making' a total to all boards of $1,015.43. Concerning one
item of $300.00, the following tale is told. Under the elo-
quent plea of Dr. Kumler preaching on the text, "Watch-
man, what of the night?" a stranger was seen to put into
the plate a large roll of bills. When the Treasurer counted
it and found it $300.00, he was sure a mistake had been

119

made, and called upon the stranger at his hotel to rectify
it. The man proved to be Mr, Thaw, a millionaire of Pitts-
burg, and a loyal Presbyterian, who explained that it was
his custom, on that day, wherever* he might be, to put in his
offering for the Board of Foreign Missions.

In 1869, the trustees bravely launched out into the ex-
periment of free pews, the necessary budget to be raised by
assessment of members, the amount ranging from $8.00 to
$200.00. There was some objection, of course, and although
the income produced was larger it was still insufficient. In
1873, in a hope to remedy this deficiency, the envelope sys-
tem of weekly contributions was inaugurated. In 1873 also
the choir box at the front of the church was built and the
choir moved from the gallery at the back. The trustees gave
their consent to the change, "if they were not asked to pay
for it." In the same year two new furnaces were installed at
a cost of 450.00, but had to be replaced in 1884 at a cost of
$700.00.

These seem to have been "lean years," for time after
time, the trustees met to "discuss the situation (lack of
funds), failed to come to any definite conclusion; postponed
action and adjourned," renewing the note in the bank mean-
time. In 1875, the Treasurer proposed an assessment of
members, based on the county lists for taxation. He pre-
sented figures from tax duplicates, showing members had
ample property to produce required income by the impo-
sition of an advalorem tax. This plan did not meet with
the approval of the majority of the wealthy members
and provoked a spirited discussion between property own-
ers and salaried men. They decided to assess each one at
what they ought to give and to get them to stand for it if
possible, a plan still followed.

The church clock now hanging in the lecture room was
purchased in 1875.

In 1883, after clearing the church of debt, there was a
fat year with a balance of 42 cents. Encouraged by this un-
usual balance, the trustees plunged into debt again in the
purchase of a new organ for $2,300, plus the old organ.
In 1883, also the present parsonage was built by Mr. James
L. Orr and Mrs. Martha Orr Bayard as a memorial to their
father and mother; Mr. George Goodge taking especial in-
terest in superintending the building.

In 1886 the projecting gallery was removed, stairs
changed from the dangerous winding type to the present
ones with landing, a new galvanized steel ceiling was put
in, walls redecorated, a new carpet bought, oak pews re-

120

placed the uncomfortable, square walnut ones, and similar
pulpit furniture, the marble mantel and mahogany sofa, the
communion table being presented by the C. E. Society. The
next few years, 1887-1903, improvements mulitplied — street
paving $800.00, fence removed and cement walks laid "at
the request of the ladies who offered to pay the expense."

Mr. George Goodge superintended all this work with-
out pay, venturing fearlessly to the top of the roof or the
depths of the cellar in his investigations. There have al-
ways been among the trustees practical men of affairs,
whose business was consecrated, as well as themselves, to
the use of the church. Among such, one recalls Mr. Mat-
thew Dalzell, whose daily walk lay past the church, Mr. W.
H, Lehnhard, whose mill supplied all the board and tres-
tles needed for entertainments, Mr. Alexander Crawford,
with advice and tools for every leak (this was the days of
gas), and Mr. James L. Orr, to whom the Lord's house was
an especial care. Today a mechanically inclined pastor and
Mr. Henry B. Veatch can supply every need.

Two treasurers merit especial mention. Mr, Wm. Baker
for 15 years and Mr. Philip Decker for 20 years' continuous
service. In meeting monthly bills with insufficient funds,
they were obliged to walk by faith, not sight. They, like
their successors, Mr. Alex Crawford, Mr. Wm. E. Wilson
and Mr. Harry Dodson, were called as Israel of old to make
"bricks without straw."

Ushering has always been a duty of the trustees.
Among the pleasant memories of the old church one remem-
bers the welcome of smile and hand clasp at the door of Mr,
J. N. McCoy, Mr. James L. Orr, Mr. Byron Persons, Mr.
Ed Wemyss and a host of others. Mr. Elwood Moore has
a well earned record of faithfulness, day and night, as usher.

In 1916 the duplex system of envelopes, with weekly
payments ,one side current expenses and the other benevo-
lences, was adopted. It involved a systematic visitation of
every member on a certain Sunday in April for definite
pledges for the year. This largely increased the income.
The New Era assessments set a new standard of banevol-
ences and again tested the faith of the trustees. The assess-
ment for 1917 for the church boards amounted to $600.66
and was increased in 1921 to $2,288.00, including the Wo-
man's Missionary Society. In 1919, the manse was repaired
and electrified at an expense of $1,322.88, exclusive of the
work done by the Ladies' Aid. In 1920 the repair bill for

121

replacing of the cornice of the tower was $2,060.03. In
1921 a Centennial fund of $1,500.00 was raised to provide
for the expense of the celebration and to start the old church
into the new centurj^ free of debt.

The present Board of Trustees consists of :

Mr. Samuel L. Orr, Chairman.
Mr. B. F. Persons, Vice-Chairman.
Mr. W. H. Cutler, Secretary.
Mr. Ed. Kiechle, Treasurer.
Dr. E. C. Johnson.
Dr. E. P. Busse.

In 1920 a Board of Deacons was instituted of the young-
er men of the congregation, as a training school for elders
and trustees and to relieve the trustees of the details of rais-
ing and expending funds, the trustees retaining the holding
and auditing powers. A joint meeting of both boards is
held quarterly and when any financial policy is in question
the two boards must act in conjunction.

Mr. Ed. Wemyss, Chairman.

Mr. A. H. Swanson, Vice Chairman.

Mr. Downey Kerr, Secretary.

Mr. H. C. Dodson, Treasurer.

Mr. Henry B. Veatch.

Mr. Boaz Crawford.

Mr. Roy S. Atkinson.

Mr. Henry Faul.

Mr. Glen Ogle.

Mens' Brotherhood.

A Brotherhood of 68 members was organized in 1904
and continued until 1912, the number increasing to 81.
There was frequent banquets with speakers on topics of in-
terest, but no altruistic object for united and continuous ef-
fort. Of late years the monthly congregational suppers and
the Mens' Bible Class have taken the place of the former
Brotherhood. The latter was organized in 1920 with a
membership of 87, and is taught by the pastor.

122

CHAPTER V.

MEMORIES OF THE EARLY DAYS OF THE WOMAN'S

MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE WALNUT ST.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Our President has asked for a short history of our so-
ciety. Figures you would soon forget. Part of what I bring
to you today, some have heard, for it is history which can-
not be taken from, but may be added to. I will give a few
incidents regarding the formation and progress of our
work; which stand as beacon lights of memory; as I can
hardly give a connected history of forty-eight years work,
in the ten minutes allotted me.

May 31, 1871, Mrs. J. P. E. Kumler, wife of our pas-
tor at that time, called a meeting of the women of oui"
church. Twenty-six responded. She informed us of the or-
ganization of a Woman's Board of Missions and of a call
made to all Presbyterian women to fall in line, to assemble
themselves in societies, as auxiliaries to it. We entered
heartily into the project and elected our officers :

President — Mrs. Abbie Kumler.

Vice-President — Mrs. Sarah McCarer ( wife of a former
pastor) .

Secretary — Miss Lavinia Scantlin.

Treasurer — Mrs. Lorain M. Cutler.

We certainly did begin right in some respects. "What
shall we call our Society?" Mrs. Kumler asked. One woman
replied, "The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary So-
ciety of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church." Another
said, "Christ never spoke of Home and Foreign, but did say,
beginning at Jerusalem, 'Go preach the gospel to every crea-
ture' ; let us call it 'The Woman's Missionary Society of the
Walnut Street Presbyterian Church' ". All agreed. In those
days, the only word used to designate our gifts was dues.
The President asked, "What shall the dues be?" One re-
plied, "Twenty-five cents a month is as little as any one
would think of giving." Another, a catch in her voice, (who
never thought of beginning with less than that herself)

123

said, "Oh! Madam President, today we have nineteen
widows in our church, two of whom, with their needle, sup-
pore themselves, feed, clothe and educate two fatherless
boys ; they are praying women, we must have them and how
can they pay fifty cents a month?" "What do you suggest?"
asked Mrs. Kumler. That was a home thrust, she had never
once thought of naming any sum for others to give, but im-
mediately answered, 'From five cents to five dollars, if any
one is able and willing to give it."

A muftled clap of hands, and that suggestion was
adopted, and comes very near the pledge called for today,
viz., "To give as God has prospered us." The two widows
especially mentioned, came and they prayed, and gave five
cents each. There came a time when we missed them for a
few months; being visited, one of them with tears in her
eyes confessed that they did not have even the dime to con-
tribute. Suddenly a silver dollar fell on her lap and her vis-
itor said, "You seem to have money; give me that dollar,
it will more than cover delinquencies, come back, we need
you." They came and they did pray more earnestly than
ever and were with us until they left the town.

Well do I remember, with what trembling speech, the
elected treasurer besought Mrs. Kumler to fill that place
with a more capable and experienced person ; but that wo-
man of powerful presence and settled determination, re-
plied, "You need not think that these women have plunged
blindfolded into this business. You have been discussed in
private session. You never were so much talked about in
your life. The conclusion is, that you shall be the treasurer,
that is settled.' ' So meekly submitting to that woman's
strong will and forceful speech, she timidly turned away
and out of total inexperience, with trepidation of spirit,
tried to evolve a Treasurer; but it took forty years, for at
every election she was returned to the Treasuryship. At the
end of that time, a prolonged illness away from home, com-
pelled her resignation. On returning in November, she
found no treasurer, so gathered up the scattered gifts and
forwarded to Presbyterial Treasurer and declared the ofi'ice
vacant ; since which time Mrs. Etta Archer served us faith-
fully five years and was obliged to resign because of illness
in her family. For the past two years Mrs. Rose Greek has
done valiant service and I trust that she will fill the off'ice
for many years to come. Our instructions from superior of-
ficers, both Presbyterial and Synodical, are, "Retain Treas-
urers as long as possible, if satisfactory, as changes dis-

124

arrange the work." Our Presidents have come and gone,
with the change of pastors ; our minister's wife being hon-
ored with that office for years.

Allow me to say here that God has given to us a leader
of rare ability and acceptability, with a heart consecrated to
His service. Let us show our appreciation by retaining her,
as our President as long as she is given strength for the
work. Let me name her — Mrs. George S. Clifford.

The Secretaries, I confess to have failed to keep pace
with. Mrs. Robert Smith served many years as Secretary
and President. In August of the same year we were organ-
ized, Mrs. Kumler, with her husband, left the city, when we
were less than three months old. One of our dear, good sis-
ters, among the most generous givers, has repeatedly de-
clared that" she did not think the Woman's Missionary So-
ciety would survive six months after her departure. Truly
we felt like a child bereft of its parent, but realized that it
was God's work and that He would care for it, if we stood
with a strong arm faithful to our trust. The first year we
numbered sixty-two. Of the charter members, only five re-
main today — Mrs. Emily Dalzell, Mrs. Oella Parsons, Mrs.
Elizabeth Elles, Miss Lavinia Scantlin and Mrs. Lorain M.
Cutler. Only recently Mrs. Ann Davidson passed away, and
as we re-write this record, we must add the names of Mrs.
Lizzie Shanklin and Miss Hannah Hubbs (these three also
charter members) as having finished their work on earth.
In the early days of our Society, Mrs. Martha Orr (wife of
Samuel Orr, our oldest elder) was a constant attendant of
our meetings and ever watchful of our interests. Mrs. Eliza
R, Drew, afterwards Mrs. Barnes, was rarely absent ; al-
ways ready to pray, read Scripture, or give an account of
the Presbyterial meetings which she was sure to attend, and
from her, we received outside information of the work.

Yet another, Mrs. Sarah Tyrrell, was a most devoted,
capable and generous member; her special gift being ex-
pounding Scripture, of which she made a constant study and
led many woman's meetings of various organizations
throughout the city. With faculties somewhat impaired as
to earthly things, but keenly alive to the interests of the
Kingdom, she lingered on the border, longing to be called
over into the land of eternal light and glory, whither she
went in early September, 1919.

As I before stated, the first year we numbered sixty-
two. From removals, death, and change of mind, fifteen
left us, to close the year with forty-seven. An interesting

item of our first year's work is, that five persons gave fifty
cents per month ; after a time one member who had thought
she was not able to give more than twenty-five cents began
to wonder why, and decided to "Provoke her sisters to good
works' 'by doubling her gift. As soon as this was known,
several who had been paying fifty cents, doubled also; thus
came about the first one dollar monthly contribution we re-
ceived. Since that time others have joined them and some
have doubled more than once.

It was our belief, that twelve meetings should be held
every year; few omissions occurred. Once we disbanded in
prospect of a violent storm and all got safely home. Once
the janitor forgot us and once our room was taken for an-
other purpose. These are all the lapses I remember during
forty-two years, but there were several postponed metings.

About 1912 or 1913 it was voted to hold no meetings in
the months of July and August. Alas! there one of our
idols was shattered. Up to that time we had a record rarely
equaled, and we wanted to preserve and sustain it. The year
1874 included but ten months ; having decided to begin our
year in March ; but in 1875 it was voted to cut that year to
eleven months and hold our annual meeting in February
in order to be able more surely to meet the requirements of
our Presbyterial.

In 1879, Mrs. J. Q. Adams, our pastor's wife, organized
a Mission Band, by request of this Society, and it proved
a delight to the children as well as instructive and helpful,
planting the seeds of Mission work in youthful minds. In
early days our meetings began at two o'clock ; thus avoiding
the anxiety we now see on the faces of housekeepers, as the
shadows on the sunlight begin to gather, and they are re-
minded of that family supper.

On our tenth anniversery, Mrs. Kumler, the organizer
made us an unexpected visit and rejoiced in the results of
our work ; even after we had confided to her our griefs, that
of a membership of forty-seven to sixty-five, only a small
number felt the responsibility of keeping our meetings up
to a high standard ; seeming to think that when they had
paid their money, that was suff'icient until another year
began. From this time, 1881, we increased in membership
and money until there came a year when we lost by death,
removal and withdrawal, forty-nine members; still we re-
corded sixty names for the ensuing year.

No record was kept of attendance but I remember a
time of anxiety when six, eight and ten were present. The

money was faithfully collected and forwarded to Presby-
terial Treasurers, since as an organized body we had the
right to gather and disburse funds, if only two members
came monthly, to pray for missions and for the forgetful
ones. After 1890, our membership was from several years
from sixty-three to eighty-five. Funds did not always de-
pend upon numbers. Our success in meeting apportion-
ments (I remember but one failure in forty-two years) is
sufficient evidence, that we had generous givers, even in
those days. May I speak especially of one — our beloved and
sainted Mrs. Martha Orr Bayard — stands first, with a brain
for business and a heart for distribution, she watched the
reports and when more was required, than she thought the
Treasurer v^ould be able to gather, she quietly slipped an
envelope to her saying, "Do not mention it, use it.' '

Now she careth not, and we love to tell it, and commend
her example to all preseiit mission workers whom the Lord
has blessed with much worldly goods from His storehouse of
treasures. I recall with gladness younger ones also, who
gave private contributions, and still continue to do so. How
blessed are they who believe that "what they spend is gone,
what they keep is lost, and what they give is saved."

Lorain M. Cutler.
August 15, 1921.

The writer rewrote this account, read at the 50th an-
niversary of the Missionary Society, June 3, 1921, with her
own hand, in the present year, the 91st of her age.

Additional items from her carefully kept record as
Treasurer are here added.

The budget was $175.00 in 1871. With a slight increase
each year, it suddenly, in the New Era apportionment was
almost doubled, being increased to $600.00, still further in-
creased to $1,180.00 in 1921. In the early days, boxes to
the value of one to two hundred dollars were sent to the
home missionary in the far West; today a box is annually
sent to a colored school in Kentucky.

There have been several special collections. In 1881,
the sum of $700.00 was collected toward 50 per cent, fund
Decennial offering of the Woman's Board. In 1889 the as-
sessment was 29 per cent for Million Dollar fund for dis-
abled ministers. In 1914 the society raised, in addition to
regular assessment, $105.00 for New China Fund. The
money needed has been raised by monthly subscriptions and
a thank offering of over a hundred dollars collected in No-
vember. The last two years the Women's assessment has
been part of the church budget.

There is a record of two legacies to the Missionary So-
ciety, one in 1909, of $200, from Mrs. Martha Bayard, which
was distributed in yearly subscriptions and the other of
$100 in 1917, from Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert.

Officers in 1921 are:

President— Mrs. Fred Ruff.

Secretary — Mrs. W. J. Torrance.

Treasurer — Mrs. Harry Little.

Mrs. Harry Greek has been promoted to the office of
Presbyterial Foreign Treasurer. Among other Presbyterial
officers from Walnut Street in former years are. Mrs. Lo-
rain Cutler, 15 years, Presbyterial Foreign Treasurer; Mrs.
Mary Little, Home and Freedman Secretary ; Miss Lorain
Cutler, Young People's Secretary.

Account of the 50th Anniversary of the Women's Missionary
Society, June 3rd, 1921.

An incident of unusual interest to the members of the
Walnut Street Presbyterian church was the celebration of
the 50th anniversary of the organization of the Woman's
Missionary society, which took place Friday afternoon at
Ballyrae, the summer home of Mrs. George Clifford, where
a charter member, Mrs. John W. Foster, of Washington, D.
C, formerly lived.

At 4 o'clock, using the porch as a stage, the society and
guests witnessed a paueant depicting the 50 years of history.
As an introduction, Mrs. Fred Ruff appeared as a herald,
bearing a lighted oriental lamp. In original verse she
depicted the plan of God for the ages and lighted the candles
of a Jewish candelabrum from which the candles of charter
members were lighted as she told of the call of women to
service for others. Miss Lorain Cutler, in a pink muslin
embroidered by Mrs. Eliza Drew, a charter member, read
her grandmother's reminiscence and called the roll of the
original membership.

The herolds announced the advent of the "Messengers,"
as Esther Kirk, in the dress of a child of long ago, brought
greetings of the mission band and lighted her small taper
from the candles of the women.

One of that small band, Mrs. George Clifford, then re-
called the past and joined its history with the present, her
taper becoming the electric torch of today. An interest-
ing greeting from Mrs. Graham Lee came as a voice from
the past.

128

Then the heralds ushered in the Westminster Circle —
the youngest organization of the missionary society, and
as they joined hands the circle gleamed with tiny electric
lights and they lifted their childish voices in the missionary
song of all ages, "From Greenland's Icy Mountains."

"With a parting word of inspiration from the herald,
and a song, "The Holy City,' 'the pageant ended and the so-
cial hour began , ending with a picnic supper by the Ladies'
Aid in the rose gardens, to which all members and men of
the congregation were invited.

129

From right to left — Mrs. Lorain Cutler, 91 ; Mrs. An-
geline Fuhrer, 92; Mrs. Emily Dalzell, 83; taken in 1920,
at an out-door meeting of the Missionary Society.

130

WOMEN'S SEWING SOCIETY AND LADIES' AID.

As women in the gospel story were last at the cross and
first at the tomb of the Christ, and were gathered in the
upper room for ten days with the disciples waiting for the
promise of the Holy Spirit, so in the group of twelve pioneer
men and women, gathered together by Rev. Banks, the home
missionary in 1821, to form the nucleus of a church, there
were seven women whose names deserve to be mentioned, as
the founders of Women's work in Walnut Street Presbyter-
ian Church :

Abigail Fairchild, Julia Ann Harrison, Mrs.

Smith, Rebecca Wood, Mrs. Chandler, Mrs. Eli

Sherwood and Mary 0. Warner.

In 1832, at the dedication of the Little Church on the
Hill, their number had doubled. We can picture them —
busy furnishing the building, making curtains, molding
candles, covering the box pulpit with the green baize and
cleaning up after the workmen.

The earliest records preserved are of a reorganized
sewing society in 1847. The books of the Secretary and
Treasurer consist invariably of a small blank book, with
paper cover, spotted and veined in imitation marble, which,
however, has stood the test of time better than the more sub-
stantial ones of leather, used by Session and Trustee.

The membership soon increased from thirteen to
twenty-two. The principal object stated in the first book of
1847 was the "purchase of a lot on which to build a new
church." That being deferred, they took up other pressing
needs. They contributed one year $150.00 toward the
church debt; at another $200.00 for repairs; they paid the
annual taxes and insurance besides keeping up insurance on
the Minister, Rev. Wm. H. McCarer. They whitewashed
the walls ; they painted and cleaned, one year economically
"renovated spots" no doubt caused by leaks or mold — wo-
men's work the world over. Among curious items is one
for "tending lights," recalling dripping candles and snuf-
fers, while the purchase of a chandelier for $25.00 reveals
a love of beauty and desire for adornment. In 1851, follow-
ing the new fashion, the ambitious women sent to Cincin-
nati for lamps at an expense of $11.00. Evidently the light
was too intense for eyes accustomed to candles, for there is
an item of $2.25 for "green berage to cover the lamps in the
church."

The dues were twenty-five cents a year, but the society

131

relied largely for the funds on private orders for sewing
and knitting and on an annual Fair, held at some public hall
or hotel, where the sums cleared varied from $140.00 to
$253.00; a Floral Festival in May, 1853, yielding $147.00.
Much of the material was purchased by the society, the
work done at fortnightly meetings at the homes. Here light
refreshments were served, "limited to bread and butter, one
kind of relish and one kind of plain cake,"

The minutes state that "anybody breaking this rule
must pay a forfeit by entertaining the society until she
adopts this idea." Later one member was lined fifty cents
for iciug her cake.

Sales are reported of night caps, linen frills, nubias
and tidies, socks and stockings, worked slippers and otto-
man tops, double gown, needle-book and emery. In 1849
the items, "little stockings" and "little mittens," proclaim
the provident care of mothers for little ones in the home, in
view of the approach of winter, while the heat of summer
creates a demand for "little sunbonnets," at half-price and
Christmas and birthdays require "dressed dolls."

They had their troubles, too, at these Fairs — troubles
over broken tumblers and rented tables lost which must be
replaced, boys must be hired to watch, while mothers ran
home to attend to the wants of the household and alas —
counterfeit money must be deducted from the receipts.

Ice cream was the favorite dish, even in these early
days. The old-fashioned idea of the "man as head of the
house' appears in the notice of the meetings at the home of
Mr. Shanklin and Mr. Warner.

In 1859 the society was reorganized, primarily for the
purpose of raising funds for the purchase of an organ for
the new church. A Strawberry Supper in this year brought
$158.00 into the Treasury; a week's Fair in December,
$586.00 ; another in 1872, under Mrs. M. Dalzell, $600.00.

Undersleeves were now the fashion and everything
trimmed with tatting or footing. Several entries of shirts
indicate the absence of factories and orders from the beaux
o fthe day, secured, no doubt by zealous young women, eager
to prove their worth as future wives ! The sum of $750.00
being raised before it was needed for the organ, the women
were persuaded to lend it to the trustees for the usual in-
debtedness, but some shrewd official demanded "10 per cent
interest for fifteen months with the personal note of the
Treasurer, and church collections as collateral."

In 1870 the Society was divided into ten social com-

132

mittees, giving monthly entertainments, each vying with the
other to make the most money for the proposed new car-
pet, the years' work netting $578.00. In 1871 the women
were most active, soliciting a Semi-Centennial anniversary
fund for the Mission, now First Avenue, raising over $3,000.
A committee was appointed in 1873, entitled, "Put on Kind-
ness," its aim not to make money but to secure mutual ac-
quaintance and sympathy, which they hoped to accomplish
by interspersing musical and intellectual exercises with the
socials.

The Society was roorganized in 1877 under the name
of the "Ladies' Aid Society of Walnut Street Presbyterian
Church," which continues active to this day, Mrs. Lizzie
Shanklin being its Treasurer for twenty-eight years. A
perusal of her books shows the really big things accomplish-
ed. In 1886 the women voted and raised $1,000 for church
improvements, besides paying $530.00 for decorating the au-
ditorium and $100.00 towards electrifying the chandeliers.
At this time the sheet-iron ceiling was put in, the red, blue
and green glass borders with emblems of dove, anchor and
cross were replaced by plain yellow glass ; the square walnut
seats by golden oak, costing $1,090.00. In 1890, a smoky
furnace had so defaced the walls that it was necessary to
duplicate the frescoing at a cost of $411.50 — No wonder
the Society willingly paid $163.00 towards a new smoke
stack.

In 1893, the stained glass windows were put in the front
of the church at a cost of $461.00, the sale of Mrs. Reilly's
book, $102.00 defraying part of the expense.

In 1898 they recommended to the Trustees the removal
of the iron fence shown in early photographs, and replac-
ing of brick pavements with cement, promising to pay for
the same. The Trustees agreed with alacrity. The removal
of the iron fence recalls the dent in the Second Street side
of the fence caused by a great storm blowing down a part
of the steeple. These bills paid for, in 1914, the Aid do-
nated $918.00 toward other church improvements, and in
1915 again renovated the walls and ceiling at a cost of $500.
Besides these things, all the incidentals that come up in the
care of churches. Twice ,$203.00 and $114.00 for hymn
books, music for the choir, parsonage several times ren-
ovated ; linen and silver in 1890, carpets and cleaning, pots
and pans, dishes and dusters. Count it all up — those figures
of forty years of women's striving and it makes a startling
si^m—filmostj $18,000. It was dangerous to show a surplus

13^

at the annual meeting for the trustees immediately requested
the ladies to assume some church liability. One cannot but
admire the courage with which they saw their hard-earned
funds melt away and began accumulating again.

These large sums were raised by annual monthly sub-
scriptions, by Fairs, Suppers and other entertainments.
Most of the provisions for the Suppers were donated and
the cakes of Walnut Street were famous the city over. Peo-
ple had time in those days to come to supper and spend the
evening in social intercourse.

From 1880-1900 many novel and clever entertainments
were given, whose programs are now of interest. At a
conundrum social the women propounded riddles for guests
to solve. The M Social, where everything on the printed
menu began with M, reading thus: "Meted out by minister-
ing maidens of model manners, made manifest by mons-
trous monograms — Modern Martha and Mary, who mind the
meal and minister to the mouth may mention that they mean
to make this memorable medley, meriting meditation, mas-
tication, metoposcopy, memory, mirth and money."

The Butterfly Social was a gay affair, the whole lecture
room decorated with fluttering tissue paper decorated but-
terflies, whose bodies were clothes pins. These gay-winged
beauties were afterwards sold by the hundreds. Mrs. Al-
fred Bixby was the originator and creator. At a Chinese
Social, the menu was in Chinese hieroglyphics and covering
the wall and displayed on tables were the Chinese curios and
embroideries of Mrs. Chas. Denby, Sr., recently returned
from the Legation of Peking. In the garden of "Singing
Flowers," a large canvas curtain was painted in the church
parlors in August by Miss Grace Tyrrell, the center of each
flower cut out and faces of living singers inserted. The pro-
gram consisted of choruses, solos and duets, many of them
popular songs of the day. It was given in Evans Hall in
the summer of 1886, clearing $275.00 The one longest to
be remembered as a source of amusement was the "District
Schule," where the participants consisted of the older peo-
ple of the church in girlish costume of pantelette and frill,
or silk hat and frock coats. Mr. George Cunningham as
Schoolmaster, was inimitable. The audience laughed till they
cried, though some of the older people went home very much
shocked. These suppers were served in the parlors, leav-
ing the lecture room for program and sociability, and Wal-
nut Street in those days was a real community center.

Two time-honored institutions have been banished ;

134

the window stick with crotched end for pulling down the
upper window sash and the human organ blowers. The
sight of old Dr. Johnson swaying down the aisle at a call
for fresh air with the long stick unconsciously hit-
ting a bald head on one side and dislodging a woman's bon-
net on the other side of the aisle, amused many a small child
in the family pew. A rope and pulley made ventilating easy.
The vagaries of various organ blowers were many. Regular-
ly "Crazy Al" went to sleep during the sermon and had to
be awakened by one of the bases at the lack of response in
the organ. An electric motor installed was a joy, except
when some practical joker turned off the switch in the room
below, as happened lately.

The latest form of activity of the Aid Society, inaugur-
ated as a part of the New Era Movement, is the monthly
twenty-five cent supper, where 125 are served at once, often
cafeteria fashion, on trestle tables with paper cloth and nap-
kins. The good supper, not by any means light refreshments
and calculation of expense to fit the receipts, show skillful
management of the heads of committees. After the supper
a devotional service is held by the Pastor, with reports of
New Era neighborhood captains or other business. As one
looks back into the past, the heads of committees, bustling
efficient Marthas pass in review, "doing with their might
what their hands find to do." Mesdames Bayard, Decker,
Keen, J. L. Orr, W. H. Cutler, Etha Gilchrist, McLean, Han-
kins, McCoy, Annie Sullivan, Gilbert, Dalzell, Clem Sullivan,
Weever, Babcock. S. W. Little, French, Storms, Cunning-
ham, Wedding, Garvin, Sheridan, Crawford, Rutherford,
Norton, Howe, Kirk, Sheets, Archer, Wemyss, Faul and
Russell.

Last, but not least, like Dorcas of old, can be shown
the garments for the poor and destitute which the women
have made. First a community industrial school, where
poor children were taught to sew, was organized and man-
aged by Mrs. Samuel Bayard and had many of the Aid as
faithful teachers. When Parke Memorial was established
as a Mission of Walnut Street, a sewing school was held
every Saturday morning under the leadership of Mrs. Philip
Decker and Mrs. W. E. French, with members of this so-
ciety as teachers, and was carried on for years. When this
was no longer needed, a similar school was conducted in the
Kindergarten room of Centennial school by Mrs. W. H. Cut-
ler and Mrs. Etha Gilchrist for the children of the cotton
mill mission. It was truly a labor of love and entailed much

135

self-sacrifice. During the world war, making of refugee
garments and hospital supplies was the patriotic service
of the Ladies 'Aid, and last winter garments were made and
mended for children of a local charity, the Christian Home.

Of the women of Walnut Street as of old may be said,
"Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her own works
praise her in the gates."

WOMAN'S GUILD.

The youngest organization of this century-old church
is a W^oman's Guild.

For a long time Walnut Street Church has felt the need
of a society where the new and younger members of the
congregation might meet and get acciuainted with each other
and the older members; where the problems of the church
and of the community might be discussed and where a study
of the Bible might stimulate and contribute to the devo-
tional life of the church.

Realizing this need, more than forty women met No-
vember 4 ,1921. and made tentative plans for a social, study
and service guild.

This young and untried -organization asks the good-will,
the advice, the encouragemeiit"(5f^'the old church, so rich in
interesting history, in illuminating experiences, and in
splendid achievement.

Daisy Flower Veatch.

SABBATH SCHOOL.

To Miss Philura French, afterwards Mrs. John Shank-
lin, who had come to the backwoods to make her home with
her sister, Mrs. Calvin Butler, belongs the honor of first
gathering the children together in a Sabbath School. Mrs.
Reilly says the older people shook their heads at this "in-
novation upon the established custom of Sabbath observ-
ance." It must have been a great relief to those pioneer
boys and girls, accustomed to long church services, with un-

136

intelligible doctrinal sermons. Tradition still preserves for
us the picture of the watchful elder, armed with a long stick,
warranted to reach to all parts of the small room and tap
upon the head any restless or mischievous boy or girl. The
text books of that first school were the Scriptures and West-
minister Catechism. Among the Superintendents in the
early years were intellectual men and organizers of a high
order: Mr. Conrad Baker, late Governor of Indiana, Mr.
John W. Foster, afterwards Secretary of State under Pres-
ident Harrison, Mr. Myron K. Safford, Head Master of a
Classical School for boys and girls and Mr. Alexander Gow,
Supt. of the Public Schools of Evansville — all men of deep
piety, elders in the church, impressed with the need of bring-
ing up the children "in the fear and admonition of the
Lord."

It was the custom to celebrate the anniversary of the
Sunday School the first Sabbath in February, with appro-
priate exercises, songs from the Golden Censer, recitations
and address by the pastor. A printed program of such an
occasion, February 7, 1869, preserved in a scrapbook, gives
the names of scholars earning premiums — a Bible or a good
book, for perfect attendance and perfect lesson recitation for
a year. Of seven named, Miss Mary Davidson is the only
survivor, but "Willie Cutler" and "Robbie Shanklin" were
awarded a "suitable premium," a Bible still preserved, for
only missing one Sabbath on account of illness. I am won-
dering who earned the premium, the boys or their conscien-
tious mothers. In 1870, Nellie Goodge and Daniel Kress
were awarded a gold dollar each for bring in the most new
scholars, the conditions imposed requiring more than ten.
The Sabbath School of that day held a quarterly Mission-
ary meeting Sabbath afternoons with appropriate address
and collections of from $30.00 to $60.00 reported by classes.
Each class had a Missionary title and reported with scrip-
ture recitation — some of the titles quite original : "Regulars,
Lilies of the Valley, Dew Drops, Eureka, Small Rain, Buds
of Promise," the Infant Class, "Little Lambs." There were
twenty-five teachers, 140 scholars in Testament Class, 90

137

in Infant Class, 35 in Bible Classes, making a total of 290.
T. W. Turner was Superintendent, James L. Orr, Secretary
and Treasurer, James H. Cutler, Librarian and C. K. Drew,
Chorister.

Advocates of graded instruction in the Sabbath School
may be interested in our experiment in Walnut Street in
1869, outlined in the minutes of the Secretary. For months,
reorganization was the leading subject of discussion in the
weekly teachers' meeting. It was finally decided to try a
plan, urged by one of the teachers, Mr. Alexander Gow,
Supt. of Public Schools, for graded classes with special
helps prepared by Rev. Chas. D. Knox. All honor to these
men of vision and high ideals far ahead of their times!
There were six grades in the school ; boys and girls together.
Infant Class, Primary, Second Year, Third Year, Second
Bible Class, First Bible Class. The Testament Classes were
divided into six classes each, with two teachers, one to give
instruction and the other to take charge of books, paper
work and collections. There were weekly teachers' meetings
with instruction by experts and quarterly examinations of
pupils in the presence of parents and friends.

A personal visitation of parents was required to secure
punctuality, regularity and home preparation of the lesson.
The teachers agreed to give the experiment a fair trial of
six months. Alas! the plan was too revolutionary. The
scholars even resorted to modern strike methods and left
the school rather than submit to the arbitrary separation
from friends, made necessary by the new grading. After
a year of growing opposition and rebellion, the teachers
voted to adopt the Uniform Lessons, the same from the In-
fant Class to the Bible Class. It was over thirty years be-
fore another trial of graded instruction was made, this time
about 1904, the young woman of progressive ideals — Miss
Emma Decker, Elementary Superintendent of that day.
Miss Decker had graded the pupils into departments accord-
ing to age before the present graded system of lessons was
issued and adopted the helps for each department as issued.
She had received her inspiration from a visit to Winona.

About 1904, boys and girls from nine to twelve years
were organized into a Junior Department, the first class of
ten being graduated in 1906. A course for Beginners was in-
troduced in 1905, the Primary several years later. Mrs.
George Cliff'ord became the first Junior Superintendent in
1907 and continued until 1919. Other departments have
quietly and naturally been added until today the whole school

138

is graded according to modern standards from Cradle Roll
to Adult organized Bible Classes, the latest a Men's Bible
Class under the leadership of Mr. Boaz Crawford.

The Cradle Roll under Superintendency of Mrs. John
S. Hopkins, enrolls babies at birth, remembering each year
with birthday postal cards and urging the bringing to Sun-
day School at four or five years.

The Beginners' Department, with sand table, paste-
board men and animals, illustrates the telling of the Old
Testament Stories. In the Primary, Miss Blanche Jung, a
trained Kindergartner, has for many years emphasized the
Bible stories with handwork of crayon and pasting and
memory work of psalm and verse. At nine, pupils are grad-
uated to the Junior Department, where a course of four
years of consecutive Bible history, of hero tales and mission-
ary biography is studied week by week. Home work in spe-
cial books of prepared question and answer, story telling,
and outline work, is required, as well as memory work of
scripture and hymns.

In the Intermediate grade, biography and the revised
catechism require three years with promotion to Senior
grade at the end. Senior boys and girls study the Bible
book by book and relate teaching to life. Adult classes con-
tinue advanced study and are organized with officers and
committees for increase in numbers and usefulness in church
and community service. Diplomas are awarded on Rally
Day with appropriate exercises. The picture card with
scripture text, once offered as reward of merit, has given
place to buttons and pins. Contests to increase attendance
and punctuality have been urged. Three boys in recent
years achieved the remarkable record of five years perfect
a^-tendance — Ralph Dannettell, Arthur Moss and Fred
Mann, the latter proudly displaying his coat lapel covered
with gold and silver stars, the premium of his day.

Various schemes have been used. On a cardboard ther-
mometer, a simulated mercury rose from freezing to boiling
as stimulated pupils brought in new members. The hands
of a paper clock moved slowly forward as members in-
creased. Last year an aeroplane race of rival captains and
crews stirred lagging enthusiasm for punctuality and re-
ularity, so necessary to efficient work.

Walnut Street has never been a large school. From
1890-93, the number is given as over 600, including Parke
Memorial, recalling the fact that children of Germa>i
churches were attracted to Walnut Street by teaching in
English. In 1895 the number fell to 375 and has for years

been less than 200. The small classes, however, afford op-
portunity for individual recitation and training for leader-
ship. In modern times the universal anniversaries of Christ-
mas, Rally Day in October and Children's Day in June are
yearly observed with excellent programs, varying from sim-
ple recitations to cantatas, tableaux and elaborate pageants.

For some years an orchestra was a help to the singing
of the gospel hymns, but today Mr. L. E. Karcher alone
leads with his cornet, having served almost without ab-
sence since 1909. To facilitate teaching and secure at-
tention, tables were installed for separate classes in the lec-
ture room, beaver-board screens being added in 1920 to pro-
vide desired privacy. They help deprive the teen age boys'
class of his admiring or disapproving audience, although
books and papers occasionally still fly over the top, replacing
the paper-wad which used to adorn the ceiling.

The most recent innovation is the social program with
athletic activities. Walnut Street has for years had its an-
nual picnic in June, by boat or traction to some neighboring
grove, where baskets laden with food were set forth on a
common table and games and contests occupied the after-
noon.

With emphasis in schools and colleges on athletic
games, the Bible School has caught the contagion and no up-
to-date school is without its basketball or baseball team en-
rolled in the Sabbath School League of Y. M. C. A. or Y. W.
C. A., under the training of their athletic directors. The
older boys organized in 1916, the girls following in 1917,
when by brilliant team work they won the pennant, now
lianging on our walls. The winning team consisted of: Vir-
ginia Karcher, Doris Kirk, Anna Louise Thurgood, Kather-
ine Welman, Agnes McConnell ; Substitutes : Iva Spitz, Elsie
Newcomb. In 1920 tennis and volley ball courts were pre-
pared by volunteer labor on vacant lots on Chandler Avenue
and dedicated to the use of boys and girls of the Sabbath
School. In the same winter, to save the furniture from de-
struction at the hands of exuberant Boy Scouts and furnish
amusement for young people after their business meetings,
the windows of the lecture room were screened and volley
ball installed.

Thus, through the years, the Sabbath School has added
to her nurture of the soul, the upbuilding of the body and
the cultivation of the mind, not forgetting, however, her
paramount object, through the teaching of the Holy Scrip-
tures, to lead the boys and girls, by precept and example,
into membership in the visible church, by faith in the Lord

140

Jesus Christ. It has not been unusual in late years for whole
classes leaving- the Junior Department to come together into
church membership. As we go into the future shall not our
aim be the same as our forefathers of 1858? "Feeling the
want of greater depth and spirituality in the Sabbath
School, we look beyond methods to results, placing more de-
pendence on the Holy Spirit and less on machinery. The
measure of our success will be in proportion, as we are able
to aid in leading the children to Jesus."

Among the officers of the past sixty years are: Mr.
Charles S. Wells, Superintendent during the Civil War, dy-
ing in office much lamented; Mr. W. T. Turner and Mr.
John W. Foster, his successors. Mr. James L. Orr, after
serving some years as Secretary, was elected Superintendent
about 1870 and was active until 1900, when Mr. Walter L.
Sullivan succeeded him, serving 15 years. Mr. S, N. Ruth-
erford and Mr. G. H. Artlip preceded the present Superin-
tendent, Mr. Paul Schmidt. Among the Secretaries in the
last thirty years have been Mr. H. E. Read, Jr., Mr. George
A .Cunningham, Mr. Colin B. Gilchrist, Mr. North Storms
and Mr. Charles Clarke, who has served since 1903.

OFFICERS FOR 1921.

Superintendent — Mr. Paul H. Schmidt.
Asst. Superintendent — Mr. Walter Keeney.
Substitute Superintendent — Mr. Walter L. Sullivan.
Secretary and Treasurer — Mr. Charles Clarke.
Pianist — Miss Florence Dannettell.
Asst. Pianist — Miss Virginia Tourtelotte.
Cornetist — Mr. L. E. Karcher.
Chorister — Miss Christine Groh.
Social Secretary — Mrs. Paul H. Schmidt.
Elementary Superintendent — Mrs. Geo. S. Clifford.
Primary Superintendent — Miss Blanche Jung.
Junior Superintendent — Mrs. H. C. Ruddick.
Intermediate Superintendent — Mrs. W. J. Torrance.

141

CHAPTER VI.

Y. P. S. C. E.

(Contributed by Mrs. Frank Fowler, of Chicago, formerly
Miss Susan Goodge).

The first Society organized was a "Young People's
Prayer Meeting," as best I can recall, about 1882, under
the Pastorate of Rev. Seward M. Dodge. In 1886, a Y. P.
S. C. E. was organized, with a pledge that was in keeping
with what a true Christian should be. This was in the early
days of Christian Endeavor, the National Society being or-
ganized about 1881. Our membership was then about 35, 1
think. The Society was divided into several committees:
Prayer meeting, Literature, Social, Music, Missionary. Each
committee did splendid work and always had interesting-
reports at a business meeting held once a month.

The Society grew in numbers and strength, until it
reached a membership of about 85 or more. Our advisory
board, as far as I can remember, was Mr. J. L. Orr, Mr.
John N. McCoy and Dr. Newell, and always the pastor. We
received much encouragement and help from all older church
members. Our first work outside of our own church was to
furnish S. S. teachers for a Mission which later became
Parke Memorial Church, eight or ten members going every
Sunday afternoon. It was started in an old saloon building
at Elsas and Virginia Streets. Thanksgiving and Christ-
mas season found us always doing our share of cheer and
comfort to unfortunate ones.

A Junior C. E. was organized and carried on for a few
years by Mrs. T. H. Taylor, later was cared for by one of the
C. E. members. This was a splendid society of about 35
members, some of whom now are working in this and other
churches. Our meetings always seemed filled with a true
religious feeling and I am sure those of us who had our early
training in the Y. P. S. C. E. could never drift so far away,
that its memory would not follow us and keep us nearer our
Master.

You will remember Blanche Lee and Mr. Lee and Rev.
August Sonne, our members of whom we are all so proud.
If I can remember rightly, Mr. and Mrs. Lee went on their
mission to Korea under Dr. O. A. Smith's pastorate, and
Rev. Sonne started his studies then and completed them in

142

Rev. S. N. Wilson's time. Our Missionary money was given
under a plan, "2 cents a week and a prayer" per member,
and was for home and foreign work, sent through the Wo-
man's Board. About 1897, six girls from the Society took
the responsibility of conducting a S. S. in the old Cotton
Mill Block in the West End of the city, taking over the work
from a crippled girl, when ill health forced her to give it up.
This work as a S. S. was conducted by this Society for over
three years, under the leadership of the Misses Walters, and
later on by two or three and outside help, and then given
over to a King's Daughters 'Circle of the Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church. The work there was certainly a wonder-
ful blessing to us who took part and required much work,
along charity lines, as well as religious work. In the last
few years of our existence, Mr. Rutherford was one of our
loyal supporters.

Delegates were sent to State and International meet-
ings, which were the largest bodies of gatherings of a re-
ligious nature ever assembled and were a source of wonder-
ful influence on all attending. A State Convention was held
in Grace Church in 1890, with national off'icers as speakers.
The social feature of our Society was always most enjoyable
and the memory still lingers with us.

We assisted in many ways with the work of the church
under the direction of the pastor, whoever he might be.

The Society disbanded twenty years ago next spring
and it was a sad day for many, who had held so dear the
work of the Society in former years. Of the members in
early days still active in the church I recall Mr. and Mrs.
Herman Pfafflin, Mr. Herbert Baird, Mrs. M. A. Sheridan,
Mrs. W. J. Torrance, Mrs. George S. Clifford and Miss Hen-
rietta Davidson.

LATER HISTORY OF C. E. SOCIETY.

During Rev. Chas. Nickerson's pastorate the Christian
Endeavor had so decreased in numbers and interest that it
was disbanded and a young people's discussion class substi-
tuted.

It was revived again in Rev. John Kennedy's pastorate
with a membership of 28. After a few years, through lack
of support it was again disbanded, to be restored in 1920 by
the present pastor with 57 members. Officers, Miss Dorothy
Archer, President; Doris Kirk, Secretary; Katherine Wel-
man. Treasurer, all girls trained previously in Sabbath
School and Emily Orr Circle.

143

The present officers, elected in 1921 are: Clyde Smith,
President; Dorothy Miller, Secretary; Elsie Newcomb,
Treasurer.

MESSENGERS.

In 1879 the wife of the minister, Mrs. J. Q. Adams,
gathered the boys and girls of the church into a Mission
Band, called the Messengers. Memories of knitted wash
cloths and fancy work bazaars mingle with the magic words
— Gaboon, Africa and Oroomiah, Persia, whei-e, for the six-
teen years of its existence, the money raised by monthly
dues and laborious needle-pricks supported students in
Christian schools. The Treasurer's books in 1884 show a
membership of 43 receipts from the annual bazaar of
$82.00, and a budget of $150. Its first Treasurer, Emily
Orr, became herself the leader of succeeding Bands. One
of the members, Loraine Cutler, is leader of the Circle to-
day. One of the officers, Blanche Webb, as the wife of Rev.
Graham Lee, spent many years as a Missionary in Pyang
Yang, Korea, in the early years of that station. She writes
from her present home in Gilroy, California, where she set-
tled with her children after Mr. Lee's untimely death.

"It has been a glorious privilege to have been a mis-
sionary in Korea, and I doubt not but what those "Messen-
ger days" were instrumental in making it easier for me to
see the need, when opportunity came.'

In 1905 the Band was merged with the Junior Y. P. S.
C. E.

In 1890 a Young Ladies' Society was organized with
18 members and Miss Blanche Webb as President.

S. F. 0. CLUB
(Sunshine for Others)

One Saturday ofternoon in September, 1906, the mem-
bers of Miss Kaloolah Howe's class met at the home of their
teacher and organized the S. F. 0. Club, with officers, regu-
lar monthly meetings and a definite object in mind. It was
at this time the only organized body of girls in the church.

The original members of the club were : Miriam Archer.
Eloise Copeland, Lillian Ellerbusch, Helen Straub, Grace
Stratton, Mary Keeney, Otilla Weintz, Eula Rose Karcher,
Mary Smith, Florence Kiechle, Mary Owen, Hazel Baker
and their teacher, who acted as advisor to the girls and
personally chaperoned them in all their activities.

144

Throughout the life of the club an active interest was
taken in the Mission Sunday School in the Cotton Mill
Block. The class frequently visiting in a body and individual
members often helping the superintendent, Miss Amelia
Walters, by teaching or with the music.

The first effort of the club was the buying of twenty-
five bibles which were much needed at the mission. They
raised the funds for this by giving a little Bazaar. The
first Thanksgiving, baskets were taken by members to the
homes of needy families. This became a regular custom
with the club. In connection with the Associated Charities,
clothing and new towels and other garments were sent to
the poor. On Easter the girls went to the hospitals and
gave flowers to those in the wards. Whenever an oppor-
tunity presented the girls endeavored to live up to the name
of the club by scattering sunshine along the way.

The thing of which they were very proud and thank-
ful was the giving of an organ to the Mission School. In
various small ways the funds for this were gathered and
to make up the considerable deficit a Social and Bazaar was
given and this was found to have brought in suff'icient to
complete the sum required. The class were very happy
to take part in the program on the day that saw the organ
in place.

The club was active for five full years and only dis-
banded when it came time for a number of the girls to go
away to college while those who remained moved into places
of responsibility, all of them becoming teachers in the S. S.

ABREK CLUB

In the early spring of 1913 the Abrek (ready to
serve) Club of Walnut St., S. S., was organized. The
thought that led to the club's organization was the desire
to bring together the girls of about the same age in sev-
eral of the classes that they might learn together how to
put into practice some of the teachings they had been re-
ceiving in the S. S., and together serve their own church,
their community, to become helpful wherever and when-
ever a chance was given them and to study both home and
foreign mission work.

Mrs. George Clifford, Mrs. Elgin Archer, Mrs. Robt.
Smith and Mrs. Sheridan were the Advisory Board of the
club. Miss Kaloolah Howe was asked to act as patroness

of the organization. Miss Howe continued with the ckib
for the first three years of it's life.

The first meeting was held at the home of Miss Howe
on Saturday ofternoon, March 1913 with twelve present
who became members of the club.

The members were. Dorothy Archer, Martha Keen-
ey, Edna Rutherford, Susette Dunlevy, Virginia Karcher,
Ethel Jones, Elizabeth Doerr, Nellie Spillman, Agnes Mc-
Connell, Dorothy Miller, Helen Sheridan and Anna Thur-
good.

The first off'icers were: President, Edna Rutherford,
Secretary, Dorothy Archer, Treasurer, Mary Crawford.

The meetings were held monthly at which a business
session followed by a devotional and general discussion was
concluded with a social hour.

In the beginning Camp Fire Work w^as a part of the
obligation of each and every member — and as in Camp Fire
work beads were awarded for the honors earned — several of
the girls still have the little strands of beads earned in the
early months of the club's life.

During the first year several packages were sent to
Miss Edith Dickey in Ningpo, China to use in her work
there in the hospitals. At Thanksgiving several baskets
were sent out to the poor. This became a regular custom
and continued as long as the club existed.

The second year a number of boxes were sent to the
Presbyterian Mission School at Brevere, N. C. These boxes
contained gifts for the boys and girls of the school, books,
magazines; and new materials for the sewing classes. We
also began to work in connection with the district nurse,
who let us know from time to time what was most needed
by the poor on whom she was calling.

Funds were raised by giving little social afi'airs and
it was the joy of the members to spend it for the helping
of those in need.

The third year the work was continued much along the
lines of the second. The girls were coming to know how
to conduct a really interesting program and to take the in-
itiative in planning activities for themselves. Miss Howe,
for business reasons was obliged to resign from the work
and Mrs. M. A. Sheridan was appointed by the Advisory
Board to take her place.

1J6

In 1915 the Club was reorganized into a Westminster
Circle to conform to the Presbyterian plan and continued
for five years the same work of sewing for the District
nurse, filling and distributing Thanksgiving baskets, and
Christmas gifts for the poor, besides subscribing for the
required Guild bonds for missions. In 1920 on the organiza-
tion of a Y. P. S. C. E. it seemed best to disband the Guild
(into which the Circle had been merged at the required age,
18 years) and these girls so ably trained for service by Mrs.
Sheridan became the leaders of the new movement.

Kaloolah Howe.

EMILY ORR CIRCLE

BORN April 1st, 1916— the Emily Orr Circle— the
child of the Woman's Missionary Society of Walnut Street
Church.

Died in the spring of 1820, an untimely death — this
promising organization — at the age of four years.

During the first years of its existence it was sturdy,
steady, strong. Surprise boxes were made for the children
at the hospitals; plain sewing was done for the district
nurse; a child that needed garments to wear to Sunday
School, was clothed; it helped make the first 200 soldier
kits for the first Evansville boys that entered the service
of the World War ; also for one year, supported one of the
Fatherless children of France.

The Patroness of this organization endeavored to
teach the members to conduct a meeting in a business like
way, to think while standing, to realize the need and the
worth of early consecrated devotion to the service of Christ,
to be mindful of the rights of others in whatever station
in life, to impart easily to the hearer the knowledge gained
from careful consideration of the Mision Study Books.

During the four years of its existence, the Circle read
three books — "The Makers of South America", "The King's
Highway," and "Comrades in Service," the latter was par-
ticularly interesting and it was gratifying to one of the Su-
perintendents of the Young Society to be asked by one of the
youngest members of the society for one chapter of "Com-
rades in Service" for use in a Christian Endeavor Pro-
gramme.

147

There were present at the first meeting eight girls, who,
according to the rule of the Westminster Circle must be be-
tween 11 and 18 years of age. So zealous were they in good
work that, before the end of the first year, the number had
doubled. Though there were, at one time, 21 or 22 on the
roll, the average attendance was 10 or 12. The Chapter
wished to have the name it bore because each member ex-
pressed the affectionate appreciation she felt for the faith-
ful, eff'icient training of Mrs. Cliff'ord in the Junior Sunday
School Department. With reluctance, Mrs. Cliff'ord con-
sented to let the Missionary infant be christened "Emily
Orr," her maideii name.

The charter members were:

Ruth Kennedy Dorothy Corsett

Doris Kirk Helen Corsett

Elizabeth Wright Margaret Hummert

Margaret Wright Iva Spitz

The following names were soon added to the roll :

Katherine Haas Louise Wright

Thelma Jones Grace Marie Lockyear

Elizabeth Thurgood Lucile Genning

Catherine Wellman Virginia Harper

Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Wellman, Mrs. Ogle and Mrs. Gil-
christ, at diff'erent times, made plans for the meeting and
directed the thought of the organization, whose aim was
really and truly two-fold, first, to develop symmetrical
Christian young womanhood ; second, to build together for
world-wide Christian service the young women of our de-
nomination.

The work of the Emily Orr Circle ceased — to live a
larger, richer life in Christian Endeavor Service.

Mary P. Gilchrist.
A new Emily Orr Circle was organized March, 1920,
with Mrs. Harry Little and Miss Lorain D. Cutler as pa-
tronesses. After the first meeting, Mrs. Little resigned on
account of ill health and Miss Cutler became the head. This
Circle was formed for the development of missions among
the girls of the church belonging to the Junior Department
of the Sunday School. The aim is three-fold — missions, de-
votional and social. The meetings are held the first Satur-
day in each month omitting the summer months of July,
August and September. The dues are ten cents each meet-
ing. This is necessary as we want to be able to take shares

148

ill the Westminster Circle of the Boards of the Women's
Society. Usually the Boards publish good mission books
which the patroness uses in connection with the mission
programme. Often charity work can be introrduced and
thus connect the Circle with civic work of our own com-
munity. We are now numbering a dozen little girls, all
eager, all willing, all praying to have their part in World
Wide Consecration.

Membership.

Lorain D. Cutler

Elizabeth Clifford Clarice Jones

Aime Leich Elizabeth Robertson

Orvilla Smith Helen Wright

Esther Kirk Dorothy Peck

Kendrick Orr Dorothy Farrow

Ida Elizabeth Riley Lucile Harris

BOY SCOUTS.

Walnut Street Presbyterian Boy Scout Troop No. 20
was organized and granted a charter by the National Coun-
cil on October 31, 1916, with Paul H. Schmidt as Scoutmas-
ter, and Walter E. Keeney as Assistant. Organization of
this troop was:

Bear Patrol— Wolf Patrol-
James L. Clifford John E. Owen
George W. Dougherty F. William Russell
Tom O. Keeney Vernon W. Copeland
Francis J. Owen John P. Baird
Daniel F. Spitz Robert L. Greek
Charles P. Gulp Jesse G. Patterson
John F. Baker George W. Heston
Roland L. Baker Robert E. Leggett
Norman D. Schmuck George M. Archer

Regular meetings were held Friday evenings during
the fall, winter and spring, Mr. Schmidt stressing the pro-
ceedings by parliamentary law and following the general
program for scout advancement. In early June of 1917,
shortly after the darkening war clouds had finally burst,
the leaders joined the colors and during this time of military
service, troop meetings were discontinued.

In September, 1919, upon my return from service,

149

Troop No. 20 was reorganized and meetings have been con-
ducted weekly since that time. The present personnel of
the troop is as follows :

Scoutmaster — Walter E. Keeney.
Assistant — Clyde Smith.

Senior Patrol Leader — Wylie Little.

First Patrol — Flying Eagle Emblem.

Frank Hawkins, Leader Frank Kraft

Amos Erwin, Assistant Robert Smith

Byron Weintz Marcus Mozay

Louis Puster Florian Mandel

Second Patrol — Bear Emblem.

Harold Leich, Leader William Shofner

Aubrey Tilley, Assistant Chester Atwood

Arthur Bartlett Oliver Atwood

Leroy Meyer John Bays

This gives us two full patrols, every boy of which is
well advanced in the fundamentals of higher scouting.

Two of our church members, Mr. B. F. Persons and
Mr. Samuel Orr are members of the executive committee of
the Boy Scouts of America in Evansville.

Our Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared," prepared to do
the right thing in any emergency which may arise. We
try to be efficient and self-reliant. Then each boy scout
does at least one good turn each day to some one, and that in
addition to the home chores. These are the cornerstones
of the Boy Scout movement.

At the commencement of our scout life we take the
following oath of allegiance:

"On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God
and my country, and to obey the scout laws, to help other
people at all times and to keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, morally straight.'

The scout laws which we hold as our example upon
which to model our lives require that each of us be trust-
worthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

There are three grades of scouts: (1) tenderfoot, (2)
second class, (3) first class. A beginner is a candidate.
Upon learning the scout oath, laws, motto, sign, salute, sig-
nificance of badge, composition and history of the American

150

flag and customary respects rendered to it, and some useful
knots of rope tieing-, the boy takes the o'ath and is promoted
to tenderfoot rating.

Upon meeting certain other requirements, a tender-
foot becomes a second class scout. These include elementary
signaling either semaphore or international Morse codes,
tracking, going a mile at scouts pace, proper use of knife and
hatchet^ fire building, cooking and boxing the compass.

A broader study of program outlined for second class
together with some additional requirements along similar
lines, permits the boy to become first class, after which he
by thorough study can gain various merit badges for pro-
ficiency.

We devote many of our Saturday afternoons to hikes
and outings, fostering a love of the great outdoors and
teaching unlimited confidence in individual ability. We try
to aid self-development for each boy, directing thought and
action into the channels most constructive for good citizen-
ship and stronger manhood.

Walter E. Keeney.

WALNUT NEIGHBORHOOD BOYS' CLUB.

With the coming of Rev. Whitcomb, there found ex-
pression a purpose long felt in the church to make the
church a greater force for neighborhood social life.
With the increase in apartment houses, where family
life was cramped , the neighborhood gave evidence of
the need of a playground for the children, social rooms for
the young people, etc. Zealous of making the church of the
greatest possible usefulness in meeting these needs, the con-
gregation appropriated a small fund with which to begin
such a social program and the ground next to the church,
in the rear of the manse was fenced in by a high wire back-
stop and equipment provided for indoor base ball, basket-
ball, volley ball, etc. The boys of the neighborhood were
organized into the Walnut Neighborhood Boys Club under
the leadership of the pastor, twenty boys holding member-
ship at the time of writing. During the summer of 1920,
shower baths were provided in one room of the building
formerly used as a stable, and a commodious club room was
arranged by remodeling the upstairs of this building. The
Club was thoroughly cosmopolitan in its makeup, comprising
Catholic, Christian Science, Methodist, Baptist, as well as
Presbyterian denominations, even including one colored boy
who later "joined out," however.

151

CHAPTER VII.

WALNUT STREET CHURCH CHOIR.

The early history of Wahiut Street Choir was very in-
terestingly related in a letter written in 1895 by Col. C. K.
Drew, then residing in New Orleans, La., and a former or-
ganist, and read by a former member of the Choir at the
twenty-fifth anniversary of Prof. Tinker's leadership, which
was celebrated at the Church, Oct. 11, 1895. Some facts are
here mentioned : —

Mr. Drew says, "The Choir of Walnut Street Church
is said not to have been born — it grew. There never was
a formal organization. In the decade ending with 1850, in
the little brick structure "set upon a hill," the corner at the
right of the white box pulpit was occupied by a few of the
faithful who sang familiar hymns to old tunes. Father
Chute, the leader, was the inspiration of the song service,
for to him singing was worship. In 1847, those sufficiently
advanced to turn a tune, were accustomed to meet at the
Exchange Hotel kept by Col. C. K. Drew, Sr., who became
the leader. He led with his flute which he played with
grace and skill and Father Knight assisted with a violin-
cello called in those unlettered days a bass-viol. It was an
honor then, as it has always been, to belong to the Choir.
Invitations to join it were sparingly given out. In those
informal early choir meetings held at the Exchange Hotel
because it afforded convenient room, refreshments after the
singing were always provided.

In 1851, the Church was extended 29 feet and a little
gallery constructed 9/2 feet in the clear at the highest point,
receding towards the sides. It was reached by a narrow
winding staircase. There is a choir legend, that when the
balloon-hoop-skirt epidemic was at its height, some of the
lady members had to sit with the congregation. A Melo-
deon was purchased and in the steeple a bell was hung — the
first church bell in Evansville. Mr. Drew says, if the church
had a sexton he must have drawn the line on Saturday night
service, fer he remembers very well that it was his business
to start the fire in the winter time and ring the bell for the
choir meeting. After the choir assembled, he was the
"Melodeonist." No salaries were paid in those days for
choir services — it was the labor of love.

Among the members at that time were David J. Mack-
er, Charles Henson, Osborne Reilly, Daniel Woolsey, W. K.

l.-)2

McGrew, Miss Cornelia Warner, afterwards Mrs. Culbert-
son, Miss Marion Wilcox afterwards Mrs. Dr. Rucker,
Misses Mary and Martha Morton, Miss Mallie Shanklin, aft-
erwards the wife of Associate Justice Harlan, Miss Mary
Jones, afterwards Mrs. Blythe Hynes, Miss Tileston, after-
wards Mrs. Henson and Miss Mary Mackey, afterwards,
Mrs. S. E. Gilbert.

After the dedication of the present Church edifice m
1864, the organ was in the gallery across the Walnut St.
end of the building, Mr. Theodore Russell became the leader
and Mr. C. K. Drew, Jr., the organist. The organ was built
by W. D. B. Simmons & Co., of Boston, Mass., and cost
$1,500.00 For about ten years the choir occupied the loft,
then the organ was removed to the present location in the
rear of the pulpit. The moving of the organ from the gar-
ret was not a very expensive or laborious work, but to move
the congregation to permit it to be done, was a task, the
magnitude of which cannot be appreciated in these days of
ready acceptance of new ideas. A campaign document was
printed, headed "five reasons why the organ and choir
should be removed to the rear of the pulpit," and a copy
was placed in every pew at a prayer meeting service. At
the conclusion of the service, Mr. Samuel Orr, the nestor of
the congregation, arose in his place, and with a copy of the
tract in his hand, proceeded to advocate the change.

That settled it. Whatever Mr. Orr's sound judgment
approved, was surely done. The organ was moved and the
present choir loft was erected.

In the year 1870, Prof. Milton Z. Tinker became the
Director of the Choir and served faithfully for a period of
forty years. A capable leader, his heart in his work. The
foremost qualities he instilled into his choir members, were
strict attention and punctuality. He, himself, was never
known to be absent or late. After one hour of hard study
at choir rehearsals, he was usually heard to say, "We will
stop now and trust to Providence tomorrow."

In the year 1883, the present organ was installed, hav-
ing been built by H. Pilcher Co., of Louisville, Ky.

A noteworthy event during Prof. Tinker's leadership
was the celebration of his Silver Jubilee as leader, held in the
church parlors and attended by the membership of the
Church, at which time Rev. Otis Smith, then pastor, present-
ed him with a handsome diamond stud from the ladies of the
church.

Among the members in the decade ending with the year
1880, appeared the names of the following : — Mr. and Mrs.

153

Mason, Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Drew, Mr. and Mrs. Hynes, Mr.
and Mrs. Gilbert, Mrs. Lizzie Shanklin, Miss Nellie Goodge,
Misses Anna and Maggie Farrell, Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield,
Miss Anna McCarer, Mr. Theo Paissell, Wm. DeLang.

In the year 1895, the membership was as follows. So-
pranos— Misses Nellie Goodge, Ruth Kraft, Mayme Herren-
bruck, Helen Decker, Olive Goodge, Rose Smith, Grace Trip-
lett, Emily Sullivan, Jingling, Mae McCutcheon, Lena Deck-
er, Rose McDowell. Altos — Misses Emma Decker, Emma
McCoy, Olive Hankins, Alice Smith, Lena Triplett, Anna
Bromm, Mrs. M. H. Lockyear, Martha Orr.

Tenors— Mr. M. Z. Tinker, Otto Barton, Chas. Schau-
ner, Richard Northal. Bassos — Messrs Samuel Orr, Colin
Gilchrist, Geo. Eggers, Joe Wastjer, Louis Kestner, Robt.
Bonner, Charles Little, Frank McCoy, Will Sansom, Will
Baird, M. H. Lockyear.

Prof. Tinker was assisted in his work by several prom-
inent organists, who, each served a number of years, among
them. Miss Amelia Lawrence, Mrs. Boyden, Miss Hobbs,
Miss Maggie Allen (afterwards Mrs. Wm. McLean-, Prof.
Arnold Habbe and Mrs. Addie K. Millis, who began her serv-
ices about the year 1887 and continued until Prof. Tinker's
resignation in 1910, when she became Director as well as
organist. At this time Mrs. Louis Kestner became assist-
ant organist, and was succeeded by Mrs. Willis M. Copeland
a year later.

Miss Amelia Lawrence, at her death, left a legacy of
$5,000, the interest of which was to be paid to her sister
during her life, the principal to come to Walnut Street at her
death. It is still unpaid.

Mrs. Lizzie Shanklin raised $250.00 in the congregation
toward the proposed Tinker Memorial Organ in memory of
Mr. Tinker's long service as leader of Walnut Street Choir.

In Sept., 1917, Prof. Walter A. Otto became Choir
Leader and Mrs. Copeland, organist. Mr. Otto was succeed-
ed the present year by Prof. Andrew T. Webster, Super-
visor of Music in the Public Schools. (A coincidence that
half a century after Mr. Tinker began his work with the
choir, the present director should have the same position in
the Public Schools as that occupied by Mr. Tinker.

The members of the Choir at this time are. Sopranos,
Mrs. Philip Knell, Mrs. S. Bayard Goodge. Altos, Mrs. Fred
H. Ruff, Miss Blanche Jung. Tenor, Mr. Albert Schanzen-
becher.

154

CHAPTER VIII.

REV. OTIS SMITH.

Rev. Otis A. Smith was bora in Albion, 111., April 10,
1862. He was the youngest of seven children and son of
Rev. Thomas and Jane Smith, who came from England in
1848. He was graduated from Wabash College in 1884. In
the fall of 1884 he went to Union Theological Seminary, New
York City. After one year he came back to Chicago and
spent two years in McCormick Theological Seminary. He
was called to the pastorate of Frankfort, Ind., in 1887.

He was married June 2, 1887 to Miss Martha Binford
of Crawfordsville. March 10, 1891 he took up the work
at Walnut Street Presbyterian Church at Evansville. A few
months later Mrs. Smith died leaving a little daughter,
Grace, who was reared by her grandmother in Crawfords-
ville. Dr. Smith afterwards married Miss Jennie Gosman
of Lawrenceville, N. J., then teaching in Miss Peabody's
Classical School for Girls at Evansville, a devoted Christian
woman of religious and missionary antecedents. He is now
located at Alexandria, Indiana, with his family of three sons
and two daughters.

Dr. Smith made use of modern advertising methods,
cards giving the subject to his series of evening sermons
on popular subjects being distributed by members and draw-
ing congregations of young people, to whom his appeal was
especially made. It was quite the fashion in his day for
young men to come to the C. E. and evening service to meet
the young women and later escort them home. Dr. Smith
was a young man and full of energy and enthusiasm and
actuated by the highest principles of right and duty. He was
especially active and beloved in the Parke Memorial Chapel,
as evidenced by his reception there on his return to officiate
at their 25th anniversary.

Some Incidents in the Ministry of Otis A. Smith as Pas-
tor of Walnut Street Presbyterian Church, Evansville, Ind.

"I came to Evansville Walnut Street Presbyterian
Church through the suggestion of Dr. Jos. F. Tuttle, D. D.,

155

Rev. Otis Smith.

156

of Wabash College. The first service I conducted was the
prayer meeting, March 11, 1891, having arrived in the city
the day before

There was an aroma of sweet spices in connection with
my entrance upon the pastorate. Dr. L. M. Gilleland, who
had gone to Lake View Presbyterian Church of Chicago
from Walnut Street Church passed away March 1, 1891. The
second Sunday of my pastorate was given over, in the even-
ing service, to a worthy memorial of that good man and
faithful pastor. Addresses were made by each of the Pres-
byterian pastors, Meldrum and Lowry — also by Dr. Morris
of the Episcopal Church, and Dr. Bryan of the C. P. Church,
and by James L. Orr. The installation services were held
May 17 and participated in by Dr. Jos. F. Tuttle, Rev. W. S.
Lowry and Dr. A. B. Meldrum.

The work of the church was growing, both in the Wal-
nut Street Church and at the Chapel; the officers of the
Church thought best to call a student from the Seminary to
assist in the work, especially at Parke Chapel. Rev. Graham
Lee was the man who came and who did most excellent ser-
vice— his self-sacrificing work will always be remembered
by those who came in touch with him. There was not a sel-
fish streak in his genial personality. Mr. Lee afterwards
married Miss Blanche Webb, and they, together with Mrs.
Webb, went to Korea. The going of these consecrated work-
ers formed a new and lasting bond between Walnut Street
Church and the Mission field.

Two great union meetings were held during my pastor-
ate, all the churches of the city uniting; one under B. Fay
Mills in 1893, and another under Dr. J. Wilber Chapman in
1895.

The vision and self-sacrifice of the Walnut Street
Church is nowhere more evident than in connection with the
work of the Sabbath School. The spirit of Walnut Street
was never selfish — it was not self-centered. Any good cause
that would help the city always found an advocate and l!>yal
supporter in this church. It was so in the temperance cause ;
in the case of the waifs and the poor, in city mission work.

I shall never cease to be grateful for the thoughtf ulness
about the pastor's comfort, which was always exercised with
a degree of cheerfulness which I have never known to be ex-
ceeded anywhere."

A57

CHAPTER IX.

KEV. SAMUEL N. WILSON, D. D.

Samuel Newton Wilson, son of Rev. James Alfred Wil
son and Emily Maxwell Wilson, was born in Crawfordsville,
Ind., Nov. 18, 1847. Losing his parents early in life ,he was
reared by an uncle and aunt, Prof. J. M. Coyner and wife.
Through the instruction and guidance of this earnest Chris-
tian educator during his childhood and youth his m.ind and
purpose was directed to the ministry. He well remembers
a conversation with his uncle, which decided his course,
upon the return of the latter from a meeting of the Gen-
eral Assembly, where the needed increase in the ranks of the
ministry had been earnestly pressed. It is worthy of note
in this connection that Prof. Coyner in his long and useful
career was the means of influencing twenty other young men
to choose this high calling. What a comment on the import-
ance to the church of Christian schools and men of sterling
Christian character and faith as teachers.

I entered Hanover College as a Freshman in the fall of
1868 and graduated with the class of 1872, and the following
fall entered Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, completing the
course in the spring of 1875, and was at once called to the
Pastorate of the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceburg,
Ind., the scene of the first pastorate of Henry Ward Beecher,
and where many graduates of the Seminary did their initial
work. As a good old elder of the church once said to me,
"Yes, you young men stay with us until you get to be good
preachers and then you leave us." From the streets of Law-
renceburg you could see the early home of President Harri-
son and the territory of three States. It was surrounded by
a cordon of distifleries that, year after year, turned the corn
of the fertile Miami Valley into whiskey — certainly an in-
viting field for missionary eff'ort. November 18, 1875, my
birthday, I was united in marriage with Eliza J. Phillips of
Hanover, Indiana, my college town.

At the spring meeting of White Water Presbytery the
following year I was ordained and installed pastor. Here
our children, Edgar, Mary, Gertrude and Alfred were born.
We remained 31/2 years, erecting a handsome new church on
the site of the old in the very midst of the great floods of
the Ohio in 1882-3-4. In the fall of 1884 an unexpected call

158

came from the extreme northwestern corner of the state,
from Valparaiso, the location of a great Normal school. The
church here was also in the midst of the erection of a fine
new building, which called for the utmost wisdom and en-
ergy to bring to a successful conclusion. Here our children,
Donald and Jeannette, were born. Seven and one-half years
were spent witnessing the introduction of Christian En-
deavor into the church activities ad affording the joy of wel-
coming many into the church fellowship. In 1892 I was
called to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian church
of Anderson, Indiana, one of the rapidly growing cities, lo-
cated in the very center of the natural gas belt of the State.
Four wonderfully busy years were terminated by a call from
the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Evansville in the
fall of 1896, removing in December. Here, with Parke Me-
morial, its child, served Rev. John Engstrow, it was my
privilege to labor with its hospitable and cultivated people
for another four years.

During this pastorate I received the honorary degree of
D. D., from my "Alma Mater", which the present August
N. Sonne, D. D., a son of the church esteemed it a privilege,
personally to announce to the people from my pulpit. This
change gave me the unique distinction of having served in
every corner of the state, but one.

In December, 1900, our work in Indiana ceased in an-
swer to a call from Wausaw, Wis., six hundred miles north.
The church here was a wonderful missionary church where
opportunity for local and synodical service of far-reaching
import called for the best energies of heart and brain that
after eight years brought us to the Semi-centennial of the
church in 1908 and led me to feel the need of taking a
church involving less responsibility. I, therefore, in August,
1908, accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church of Reeds-
burg, Wis., a beautiful little city, some fifty miles north of
Madison, the state capital. After a delightful pastorate of
eight years, I was led, by advancing age and impaired health,
to offer my resignation, and with my wife removed to
Stevens Point, Wis., wherer since her marriage, our young-
est daughter, Mrs. C. W. Capps, resided. On the occasion of
her death, February, 1920, we gave up our home and went
to live in that of our son-in-law, that we might care for our
little grandson, thus left without a mother.

Since leaving the active work, I have frequently served
as a supply for my bi'ethren for months at a tnne, as in the
Home Church, until they secured a pastor in the early spring

159

of 1921. Thus, in watching the growth of the Church in
evangelistic and educational lines and in helping, as oppor-
tunity offers, we rejoice that we are able "to bring forth
fruit in old age," and to enjoy intercessory prayer for the
churches we have served and the world at large."

S. N. Wilson.

When you speak of a Centennial Celebration in Indiana,
it carries you back to early and pioneer days, both in the
matters of church and state. To the days when the tide of
emigration swept over the Alleghenies and down the Ohio
valley and river and settled along the shores. Naturally,
here our earliest Presbyterian churches would be organized
and the passage of time give opportunity for growth and
usefulness.

My first knowledge of the Walnut Street Presbyterian
Church was when as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church at
Lawrenceburg (my first charge) I attended a meeting of
Synod held within its walls. I have but dim remembrance
of its programme and subjects of discussion, but do retain
the impression of its choir and wonderful leader, and of the
high praises on every lip accorded to Elder Samuel Orr,
the staunch and liberal friend of the church and all its work.
Little did I dream that one day I would become its pastor
and identified in carrying forward that which had called
forth his prayers and labors of love.

My next personal touch with the church was when as
Commissioner to the General Assembly. I met Rev. Otis
Smith, D. D., and Elder Samuel Little and wife bound for
the same destination, and had delightful experiences of
travel with them at Niagara Falls and other points along the
way.

My third and closer introduction was when Elder Rob-
ert Smith and Mrs. L. Cutler made an excursion northward
with Anderson, Ind., as their goal, and appeared as strang-
ers in my congregation and Sunday School one Sabbath
morning, and later were present at an afternoon Mission
Service. This incursion to spy out the land later led to an
invitation to visit the church, the extension of a call, its ac-
ceptance and settlement as pastor.

In the late fall of 1896, almost on the borders of winter,
our household goods and good sized family (furnishing
a representative for almost every department of church
activity- arrived and were made at home in the comfortable
and well appointed parsonage. As we recall there were few
events of marked local interest occurring during our com-

160

paratively brief pastorate. We were a down-town church
on the border-line of business, not in a center of teeming-
population or in a rapidly growing residential position call-
ing for special institutional activities.

The usual trend of ministerial service upon the Sabbath
claimed the pastor's best work, while co-operating heartily
with Parke Memorial, our associate church, the Y. M. C. A.,
the Home of the Friendless and other public utilities and
movements. The great Home Mission self-sustaining move-
ment was obtaining momentum, rapidly placing Indiana in
the front rank in this comprehensive, far reaching step. Old
Vincennes Presbytery felt its impulse, new churches being
organized in hitherto neglected regions in coal mining camps
and villages, such as those in which Elder Little and Attor-
ney Gilchrist were interested.

In this movement, effort was also made to kindle life
in dying country churches. The pastor being sent by Pres-
bytery to one in the fertile Wabash valley to hold a meeting
and take a vote whether its name should be erased from the
roll and the church be given decent and formal burial, or
whether it should arise and shine, and refuse to be dis-
solved. We are happy to announce that the vote was hearty
and unanimous for the latter course and the pastor felt that
in "strengthening the things which remained/' he had
achieved something worth while in his pastorate.

The pastor, with the assistance of Elder James Orr,
accomplished something of the same kind in the city. The
affairs of the First Avenue Presbyterian Church had reach-
ed such a low ebb that they were unable to secure a pastor.
They could not raise a salary and there was no one willing
to go out and make the canvass for subscriptions. Rev.
Charles Kircher, D. D., of whom it is said that "he thought
it was his special mission to take hold of churches whom no
one else would take, and build them up," in the meantime
visited the church and preached to the people. He then re-
ported that if some one would make a canvass for subscrip-
tions he would undertake the pastorate if the church desired.
With the fate of a church at stake, there was nothing left
for the pastor of Walnut street church and his faithful elder
but to roll up their sleeves, or rather put on their seven
league boots and undertake the task.

The outcome was made plain in the remarkably suc-
cessful pastorate of Dr. Kircher and in the continued use-
fulness and growth of the Church in the development of the
city. "Coming events cast their shadows before."

A conversation with Dr. Darby as we were mutually on

161

our way to our respective Presbyteries, impressed me deeply
so that I was not surprised when later he became easily one
of the most potent factors in the great movement for the
union of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church with our
own. He was certainly a man of remarkable talent and at-
tainment in his service rendered, as identified with both de-
nominations. I count it an honor to have known him per-
sonally and to have come in touch with his life's work.

Our reception by the ministers of our sister churches
was most cordial, but with none were they more fraternal
and intimate than with Rev. J. L. Marquis. He helped us
in adjusting- our household effects, he played with our chil-
dren and mingled in delightful companionship as one of the
family. This happy fellowship found but a larger held in our
city Ministerial Association. Our place of meeting was in
the Y. M. C. A. parlors where each Monday morning, pa-
pers and addresses, debates, sermons and reviews of books
and discussions of subjects current or bearing upon our
work or that of the public weal were presented, with great
helpfulness to us all.

A memorable event in the history of my Pastorate was
an annual meeting of the Board of the Northwest, So much
did it become a matter of planning and conversation on the
part of the ladies of Grace and Walnut Street in their homes
and in the manse, that my son, Alfred, got it twisted and
said : "The Plank of the Northwest was coming." He knew
it had something to do with lumber. This perhaps was
prophetic of his present line of employment, a wholesale
lumber merchant.

In the division of labor, the programme and public
meetings were rendered in Grace Church while the meals
and entertainment of guests and delegates occurred in the
parlors of Walnut Street. The impressions and inspirations
of the meeting were greatly helpful to all our churches.

Speaking of our children. An experience of the Mistress
of the Manse may be helpful and suggestice to mothers in
the raising of their boys. The back yard of the Manse was
often well supplied with boys where an animated game of
tennis with improvised slab rackets proved dangerous to the
basement windows of the church, until protected by screens.
Some one said to the minister's wife, observing the daily
situation, "How can you stand all this clutter and crowd and
noise?" To which she replied, "Oh, I would rather have my
boys there with their friends and know where they are, than
running the streets at will." A wise mother, even if it in-
volved paying for a few broken panes of glass. An unsight-

162

ly shack and a topsy turvy barn, the handiwork of the viva-
cious youngsters.

The home circle and that of the Church appreciated the
presence, for about a year, of our oldest son, Edgar. For a
long time he had been battling for his health in the west, and
to him home was a blessed haven of rest, but with his cus-
tomary energy and tactful adaption, he took hold of church
work and soon was chosen for the leadership of our Chris-
tion Endeavor, which then and ever since, owing to the sur-
roundings of the church, has been a difficult matter to sus-
tain, under his guidance it greatly prospered. Sometimes
taking charge of the evening service, where the grace with
which he presided and the wisdom of the words which he
uttered, gave hopeful promise of his usefulness as a minister
had his life been spared to enter upon his chosen work.

In this connection we cannot fail to mention one whose
life came to the fruitage of the ministry during our pastor-
ate, namely August W. Sonne, D. D., a son of the church,
whom the discernment and fraternal help of Elder James
Orr enabled and encouraged to prosecute his preparatory
studies until he reached his goal. Certainly never was a
better investment made of interest and help on the part of a
business man than this. Would that more were on the out-
look for the brightest and best of our youth that they might
thus be dedicated to the high service of the church.

Prof. Tinker, so long the superb leader of the church
choir, might be claimed by several pastors as a feature of his
work and yet it was during my regime that his work cli-
maxed, if I correctly remember, in its twenty-fifth anniver-
sary. The church delighting to honor him, as well as the
community with appropriatae programme, gifts and testi-
monials, and well they might, for in all that long interval
(unheard of thing) "there had never been a fuss in the
choir," and all the churches in the city were indebted to
him for trained singers who had received their tuition at
one time or another in the free Conservatory of Music of-
fered in the experience furnished by his chorus choir in their
regular work or special annual public renditions. The pub-
lic spirit of the church was manifest in its loyal support of
the Y. M. C. A., the Home of the Friendless, and endowed
and furnished room in the German Deaconess Hospital as
well as standing behind the needs of Park Memorial and
kindred weaker sister churches in the city.

Of distinguished visitors, the Manse had the honor to
entertain a cousin of the pastor, Dr. Harvey W. Wiley, U. S.

163

Chemist and later of Pure Food fame. Dr. Hunter Corbett,
a foreign missionary of fifty years service and Moderator of
the General Assembly, conducted the Sabbath services and
delighted the family and all who met him, with his genial
spirit and inspiration for Christian Service.

Statistics as to the growth of the Church, reception of
members, officers elected and other events of interest dur-
ing the period of my ministry, can be obtained from the min-
utes of session. Of these I have no memoranda.

My pastorate closed in the late fall of 1900 when I re-
ceived a call to the grea tHome Mission Church of Wau-
sau, Wisconsin. This church gave opportunity for new
lines of activity in its broad scope of domestic missions
and claimed the pastor's utmost measure of energy and di-
rection for eight years, up to its semi-centennial — a fitting
climax for his work.

CHAPTER X.
REV. CHARLES S. NICKERSON, D. D.

Charles S. Nickerson was born in Ohio, both his ances-
tors being from Plymouth Colony. He was, therefore, of un-
mixed American blood. His mother had five ancestors on
the Mayflower, including Captain Standish and John and
Priscilla Alden. . One of his father's three Mayflower ances-
tors, Stephen Hopkins, in 1622, was granted a license to
make and sell all the beer in the Colony for three years. Mr.
Nickerson adds, so far as he could learn, he was the first
licensed saloonkeeper in America.

Mr. Nickerson graduated from Union Theological Sem-
inary, New York. He served the Church of Greenport, New
York, 1887-1889, Waukesha, Wis., 1889-1892 ; Racine, Wis.,
1892-1901, before coming to Evansville.

While pastor of the Walnut Street Church he was hon-
ored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Marietta Col-
lege in 1904. He came to Evansville in 1901 and remained
until 1907. The church had then about 500 members and an
excellent chorus choir under Prof. Tinker.

He had one son, Harold, who is now in business in
Shreveport, Louisiana, married, and with one daughter.

He was a scholarly man of wide culture. There was no
science which he could not correctly and eff'ectively use in
illustration. His interpretation of Scripture was original
and instructive, and his exposition of Sabbath School les-
sons to teachers was an intellectual and spiritual treat and
most helpful and inspiring.

16,4

He was a mechanical genius, resting his mind by man-
ual labor in a shop at the parsonage. He had invented a
typewriter, giving visible writing, for his own use and was
advised by Racine friends to patent it and manufacture.
He was given three months' leave of absence to perfect the
scheme. When he left Evansville he went to Chicago to work
on the model and push the manufacture, feeling a respon-
sibility to the Racine friends who had invested money in it.
However, he preached in nearby vacant churches frequently.

In 1913 he returned to Racine, to his old church, which
had been so unwilling to give him up to Walnut Street, and
has now rounded out fifteen years of acceptable service
there.

While in Evansville he became convinced, on account of
the problem of the downtown church and the proximity of
Walnut Street to Grace Church, that a union with Grace
Church was desirable and he urged the union; but a vote
of the congregation revealed a strong sentiment for remain-
ing a separate organization in the present edifice. A strong
factor in this sentiment was the condition of union, the
abandonment of the old Walnut Street Church, so dear to
their hearts.

CHAPTER XI.
REV. JOHN KENNEDY, D. D.

Dr. John Kennedy was born in Perth, Scotland, May
25th, 1866 and apprenticed to a printer in his youth. In-
vited by his uncle to learn farming with him at Montrose,
Iowa, he sailed for America in April, 1884, in the good ship,
State of Georgia, which made the trip in fifteen days.

He farmed about three years, during which time he was
converted, in 1885, and he says, "for a year argued religion
with Joe Ritter, an agnostic, which made him a progressive
in theology." He was graduated from Parsons College in
1892, "in its high and palmy days, when three stars of the
first magnitude adorned the educational sky of Iowa: Pro-
fessors Wilson, Harkness and Johnson." He graduated from
Auburn Theological Seminary in 1896 and the same year
was ordained and installed in a little church in Wayne Co.,
Pa., later called to Mt. Clemens, Mich., in 1900 and Wal-
nut Street in 1907. He has been three years in the Imman-
uel Church of Tacoma, Washington, where he was called
from Evansville.

In 1914 the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him
by his Alma Mater, Parsons College. He was moderator of
the Synod of Indiana at Delphi about the same time and
delegate to the General Assembly at Atlanta.

He had a strong Scotch accent and brusque manner,
was a student of the best literature (his reading- of Burns
being in great demand) and an intellectual preacher, with
forceful delivery. He took always a deep interest in civic
affairs and was prominent in an effort to close vice resorts.

It was his war work which made him best known and
loved in the city. At the beginning of the World War he
took a strong stand against Germany and read and preach-
ed much on questions involved, his eloquent speeches at-
tracting attention. He was the foremost of the four min-
ute speakers and was the honor guest at a farewell banquet
at the McCurdy Hotel, given by the Chamber of Commerce
and war workers associated with him in various campaigns,
a most remarkable tribute to the esteem in which he was
held in the city. Catholics, Jews and representatives of
all denominations delighting to do him honor. On the pre-
sentation of a gold watch, his reply was characteristically
witty and greeted with applause.

He was much interested in the campaign for the erec-
tion of a Methodist College in Evansville and was an enthu-
siastic canvasser for funds. During his pastorate, by the
development of suburbs, Walnut Street became more and
more a downtown church with its attendant problems, so
did not grow in numbers, but held its own in usefulness and
influence.

During his pastorate, Dr. George F. Pentecost, a re-
vivalist of note, and as a boy a resident of Evansville, was
invited to deliver a series of sermons, which he did with
great power, A Mens Brotherhood, the Abrek and Emily
Orr-Westminster Circles, had their beginning at this time.

Mr. Kennedy's pastorate, following immediately that of
Dr. Nickerson, whose pastorate had ended with the failure
to unite Walnut with Grace, presented a rather difficult
situation. He became friendly with Dr. Wiggington, pas-
tor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and, through
his influence, Walnut was invited to unite with Cumberland.
This proposition, like the one formerly made by Grace, con-
templated the abandonment of Walnut, its membership to
be transferred to the other church. The union of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. with the Presbyter-
ian Church, U. S. A., had resulted in three Presbyterian
churches within a few blocks on Second Street, an undesir-
able congestion which it seemed the part of wisdom to rec-
tify. But the members of Walnut Street were faced by
an embarrassing situation. There had been a feeling on the

166

part of some in Grace Church that failure of Wahiut to
unite with them had been an unfriendly act, so of course it
would not have done, so shortly afterwards to accept an in-
vitation from First Cumberland. So the Session of Walnut,
in replying to the invitation referred to this situation and
informed the Session of First Cumberland that any nego-
tiation towards union was a matter to be taken up by the
three churches in friendly conference (this letter was pub-
lished in the daily newspapers). However, an invitation
at that time being made by the officers of Grace Church for
the First Cumberland to unite with them, the two churches
took favorable action on the proposition and Walnut was not
consulted or included — -the membership being transferred
as a whole to Grace Memorial and Walnut bravely faced her
problem of a down-town church with a scattered field, but
with the belief that in Christ's name she could still minister
to souls of men.

CHAPTER XH.
REV. LESLILE G. WHITCOMB.

For months following Dr. Kennedy's ministry, the
church was without a pastor ; however, the activities of the
congregation continued — carried on by the momentum of
ninety-seven years of consecrated effort.

History repeated itself : a sincere, earnest worker from
the west appeared but, for reasonable reasons, the feeling
was "the Lord hath not chosen this' ; an interesting one from
the south and a spirited one from the north gained the at-
tention of the church members, but, the thought was still —
"neither hath the Lord chosen these."

A congregational meeting in despair, mentally and from
the heart cried — "Are here all from whom we may choose?"
Dr. James G. K. McClure, President of McCormick Theo-
logical Seminary, responding to a Macedonian call, came
to the rescue by sending one of the graduating class of 1919.
The scholarly, earnest, inspiring presentation of Romans
1:14-16 as a text, won every heart. The Lord to each one
seemed to say — "Call him. This is he." Unanimously,
Walnut Street Church decided to invite the Rev. Leslie G.
Whitcomb of South Bend, Indiana to become its minister.

On the part of the young man of thirty and his wife —
formerly Miss Freda Kriewitz — to whom he was married
August the twentieth, 1918, there was — at the time of de-
cision— much hesitation. The conscientious couple, en-
grossed in duty of that nature, had planned constructive

167

Rev. Leslie G. Whitcomb.

Its

work along institutional lines in a Chicago church. "But"
said Mr. Whitcomb "we will consider letting the Lord lead
us where He will." Of this beloved son of his ministry, the
fatherly Dr. McClure, with his exceptional insight into hu-
man character, wrote "Mr. Whitcomb is profoundly im-
pressed by the kindness of your people and by the oppor-
tunity of the church. He is humble in view of all that is
involved in the situation. He questions his ability to meet
the opportunities and expectations of the church as he feels
they should be met. I believe he is capable of meeting your
needs. He is far better prepared to take up your work
than is the usual student, just graduating from the Theo-
logical Seminary."

Worthy of serious consideration is the reflection of
Mr. Whitcomb, "Already I have been impressed time and
time again, with God's opening and shutting of doors
of work. From my youth, I have been surrounded, in my
home, by a religious atmospherre. Ever before me is the
picture of a mother solicitous for my spiritual welfare and
the example of a Godly father, zealous in every good work."

"I felt the call of the West to California and a fruit
ranch — but God called me to evangelistic service as a singer,
under the direction of the Los Angeles Bible Institute. It was
during this period that I felt the urgent call to the gospel
ministry. Although my father was only too willing to sup-
ply my financial needs, I felt I could not accept his assist-
ance unreservedly — and, in my human weakness, thought
that the door was surely closed because of the lack of funds
to secure the necessary college and Theological Seminary
education. Again God opened the door of opportunity."

"I entered Hanover College in 1912 — supplying a
church at Burrows, Indiana, during the summer of 1914,
where I was urged to continue throughout the year. It
seemed unwise to decline the offer and I transferred to Wa-
bash College where I was graduated in 1916. The pastorate
of a South Chicago church to be developed along institu-
tional lines was mine during my training in the Seminary.
The door was closed again upon a work to which Mrs. Whit-
comb and I had decided to consecrate ourselves: the Lord
opened the door to service in this grand old church of tra-
dition."

Mr. Whitcomb was too modest to tell of High School
honor as an orator and debater. He did not mention the
significance of the key he wears. Silently and elocjuently
it bears the message of which one may justly be proud —
Phi Beta Kappa scholarship honors from Wabash College.

169

The contact of the deeply rooted, study, steady, long-
existent Walnut Street Church and the impulsive, efficient,
stirring, always-ready-to-be-led-by-the-Lord Mr. Whitcomb
has been mutually helpful and beneficial,

A visitor, hearing the first sermon — "I am debtor to the
Roman and the Barbarian * * * =i= j ^j^-, j^q^ ashamed
of the gospel of Christ," said, "Prepare for jolts. Pad your
old-fashioned ideas. He will save the boys. They adore
live-M^ires. I know whereof I speak." The jolts have come,
but there have been no casualties.

Some see visions ; others dream dreams. In his enthu-
siasm and zeai, Mr. Whitcomb dreamed of his cherished con-
structive work as the result of the union of old Walnut and
young Washington Avenue churches. The proposition caused
great opposition and consequent defeat, but Mr. Whitcomb
met the keen disappointment in a soldierly way, accepting
the situation as one of God's closed doors, and, undaunted,
sought an open door for usefulness.

Always impatient to be "about his Father's business,"
he has never failed to manifest a sweet, cheerful, sanguine
spirit even under the weight of discouragement. In his
lexicon, there are no such words as ccoi't or fail. If funds
are not adequate to supply the equipment necessary for work
with his boys, he puts his skillful hand to his tools to build
— or make what he wants. His avocation has been a power
not only for the church and the young people but for him-
self, since it serves as an outlet for exuberant spirit. He
has been an aristocrat in the true sense of the word — "one
who performs a common task in a superior way."

All who really know and understand Mr. Whitcomb,
love him — especially the boys and the mother of the boys.
He has "measured up" to Dr. McClure's estimate of him.
His first sermon, after he became pastor of the church, has
been magnetic: "If your heart is to my heart as my heart
is to your heart, give me thine hand."

Mr. Whitcomb and Mrs. Whitcomb — and their two chil-
dren : — Leslie Calvin and Mary Jane — are here. It is hoped
that their chapter in the history of the church, will be a
long, and as it promises to be, a successful one. His friends
trust that — not only to the end of the Evansville chapter, but
to the completion of ministerial work, Dr, McClure's words
— in regard to Mr, Whitcomb — may be a constant benedic-
tion : "May it be well with the young man, I am desirous that
he continue to grow in himself and in his influence for many
years to come,"

Mary P, Gilchrist.

170

CHAPTER XIII.

SOME PROMINENT MEMBERS.

OUR ROLL OF HONOR.

"Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth."
Mrs. Charles Kimley Mrs, India Withey

Mrs. Elizabeth Forgy Miss Eloise Copeland

Dr. Edwin Walker

"They also serve who only stand and wait."

Memory brings to all of us the names and faces of oth-
ers, too numerous to mention. These now I would bring
into the circle of our fellowship — these, unnamed and un-
sung, who were faithful here in loving unremembered serv-
ice and have gained recognition and reward in the Master's
"Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the
ioy of the Lord."

IN MEMORIAM.

MR. J. N. McCOY.

Promptly on his arrival in Evansville
as paymaster of the L. & N. R. R., Mr.
McCoy identified himself with the Wal-
nut Street Presbyterian Church, where
his exemplary life and genial disposi-
tion was an inspiration to the young
people of the church in whom he was al-
ways greatly interested.

As teacher of a large class of young
men in the Sunday School and as advisor
to the Young People's Society of Chris-
tian Endeavor, he came into close con-
tact with the young people and by his whole-hearted in-
terest in their social as well as spiritual life, won their con-
fidence and regard and encouraged their hearty co-operation
in the services and activities of the church.

H. J. Pfafflin.

171

MR. ROBERT SMITH.

Comparisons are invidious. Especial-
ly in a session of such splendid men as
the pastor of Walnut Street church
could claim to assist him in his work and
yet none would begrudge the honor due
Elder Robert Smith. His fidelity and
efficiency as he represented the session
and the church on many occasions in
Presbytery was remarkable.

I shall never forget the earnest and
forceful address he made in behalf of
Ministerial Relief, impressing all who
heard him with his thorough knowledge and sympathy for
the men for whom he pleaded. His business life brought
him in touch with occasions and scenes of heart break and
sorrow and here again his tenderness and large hearted
sympathy served to make smooth the pathway of the af-
flicted tha': they might lean on him as a friend and a
brother.

Samuel N. Wilson.

SAMUEL W. LITTLE.

S. W. Little served as an Elder of
this church for a period of thirteen
years and was much beloved by the
members of the Session as well as by
all who knew him. The outstanding
characteristic of his life was his quiet,
unassuming manner and an exempli-
iication of a strong Christian char-
acter, with an abiding faith in Al-
mighty God. He believed that the
Presbyterian Church was the great-
est religious organization in the
world and had a superior knowledge
of its history and doctrines. So well
versed was he in technical matters
relating to church government, that
his advice was often sought by his pastor and the Session,
and he was frequently referred to as our "Church Lawyer."
His voice was always raised in behalf of peace and concord
whenever there was the slightest suspicion of discord in any
phase of church work. He was kind, humble and generous.

172

He gave much of his time and money to every worthy cause
in the community. He rendered financial aid to many young
men who were struggling to get a start in a professional or
business career, and found great joy in searching out poor
boys whose habits and industry warranted them as being
worthy of help. As a co-worker and as one who knew him
intimately and well, I am pleased to pay this tribute to this
exemplary man.

M. H. LOCKYEAR.

James L. Orr,

There fell a prince, a man with a pull
like a plant. Some men are appraised at
the first meeting and others reveal
heights and depths, as time goes on.
Some are like steel engravings, very in-
teresting; others are like paintings in
oil by the masters.

About fifty miles from us is the great
mountain Rainier, towering 15,000 feet
above the sea level, bearing on its
bosom, seven glaciers, a sublime mon-
arch of the Cascades, "companion of the
morning star, at dawn and of dawn a herald.' ' No one has
lived long enough to outlive his wonder, when it rests on
his view. Old men still gaze upon it with the wonder of boy-
hood.

James L. Orr was not quickly appraised. It was my
privilege to associate with him for eleven years, to council
with him in the Session, to observe his scrupulous oversight
of all matters, his painstaking care of all the flock. His re-
ception of new members was an event. There was a gravity
befitting the occasion, yet a kindliness and a deep felt joy
that communicated itself to all as he extended the hand of
fellowship and bade the new convert look to Christ and at
all times make full use of the church. Did ever man enjoy
making others happy more than he? He naturally loved
folks. The list of members was like a romance to him. The
names brought up faces and biography, playground, camp
and sacrament.

One shrinks from a mention of his charities. He was
Charity. His liberality abounded. It was a vital element of
his being. It was not so much that he did liberal things,
dispensed of his goods, he was Liberality — in spirit.

173

It was a great voyage of discovery, this pastorate in as-
sociation with Mr. Orr. I discovered a granite mountain,
towering into the heaven of his faith, lofty principles, se-
rene, even severe, and the explorer discovered among its
grandeurs, beautiful valleys, fair as Paradise, watered by
cool fountains, where flowers bloomed in profusion in the
cool of the evening, angels visited these haunts and the
breath of heaven lingered among them.

He reminded me of the Westminster Confession of
Faith in his passion for order and system, his veneration,
dignity and solemnity. More frequently he suggested the
Twenty-third Psalm and at the Sacrament it was Revelation
Twenty-second He has moved out into his own great or-
bit of light and immensity. There are those too young to
remember him, who will yet swing into that firmament of
Christian fellowship drawn thither by a force invisible and
irresistable. They will be stars in his crown.

Tacoma, Wash.

John Kennedy.

MRS SAMUEL BAYARD.

Possessed of rare social and intellec-
tual powers from her girlhood days, as
Miss Martha Orr, to her ripened wo-
manhood she occupied a prominent place
in the religious and social life of Evans-
ville. Her home was a hospitable cen-
ter, where all her friends loved to meet.
She was always the willing and capable
helper, whenever sickness or sorrow or
charity made its appeal. Her church,
lier charitable societies, her Bayard
Park were all close to her heart.
Her modesty, reserve and serene dignity only served
to emphasize her deep sympathy and kindliness.

At her death, she left a legacy of $5,000 to this church,
so dear to her heart, the interest of which was to be used
to defray deficiencies or provide for improvements.

A Friend.

174

MRS. LIZZIE SHANKLIN.

A sweet, dainty combination of seem-
ingly contractictory characteristics. "oT
know her was to love her."

So frail and delicate, yet so strong-
when shut-ins and strangers needed her,
when friends wanted her, when the var-
ious services of the church called her.
What might be chtirch duty to some was
always a pleasure to her. Society func-
tions, that she loved but always placed
second to her church, were never com-
plete without her. She was beloved by
young and old.

A rare personality — our dear Mrs. Shanklin. "Serene-
ly she walked with God's benediction upon her. When she
had passed it seemed like the ceasing of exquisite music."

Mary P. Gilchrist.

A Groui3 of Active Members

MRS. ROBERT SMITH. |

So woven into the pattern of Walnut Street Church
is the life of Mrs. Robt. Smith, nee Anna Farrell, that it
would be impossible to separate the design of any one ac-
tivity. Threads — rich and substantial — of intense love,
keen and intelligent interest, indefatigable energy run
through the Sunday School, the Missionary Society, Prayer
Meeting, every church service .

One pastor said, "She has helped preach more sermons
than she knows, for she has given the support of alert, ex-
pressive, interested, sympathetic listening."

Could one read in the fabric her song, it would be :

"I love Thy Church, 0 God,
Her walls before Thee stand.
For her my tears shall fall.
For her my prayers ascend.
To her my toils and care be given.
Till toil and care shall end."

Mary P. Gilchrist.

175

MRS. JAMES CUTLER.

Among the many women of precious
service in the Church in its varied ac-
tivities, we believe no finer, more effi-
cient Missionary Treasurer could be
found than Mrs. Culler, to whom in so-
cial g-athering when some delinquent sis-
ter confessed, "I believe I am indebted
to the Society, but T don't know how
much," to which the prompt reply came,
"I know," as the alert Treasurer pro-
duced her memorandum and book wi';!!
its suggestion for immediate liquida-
tion.

S. N. Wilson.

MRS. EMILY SULLIVAN DALZELL.

Among the members whose names
form the history of Walnut St. Presby-
terian Church, I can think of no one,
who so deserves praise for her stead-
fastness over a period of iifty-eight
years.

Generous and sympathetic by nature,
her counsel and assistance have been
claimed by many less fortunate. For
years she was the distributor of the
Benevolence Fund of the church, by per-
sonal visit, ascertaining the need and
supplying it secretly in the name of the church. All the
womens' societies have depended on her help in the years
that are gone, the Aid, the Missionary Society and the Sab-
bath School Through association with her many have learn-
ed the beauty of sacrifice and love.

Her loyalty to friends and church and her unswerving
faith in God, strong traits of her character, abide with her
still.

May she be long spared to the old church she has loved
and served so well.

Susan Garvin.

176

MR. WALTER L. SULLIVAN.

The Session gladly gives Mr. Sullivan
the respect due an elder brother ruling
for 27 years. His unswerving faith in
the reality of religion, his loyalty to the
church and his optimism make him a
helpful and revered member.

He refused recently the honorary title
of Superintendent Emeritus of the Sun-
day School, preferring that of substi-
tute, saying "he did not intend to be put
on the shelf." And today he is one of
the busiest persons, present, every Sab-
bath. There is no department which does not receive his
help and encouragement. As a teacher he is ready to take
any class, or become an interested learner in the Adult Bible
Class. To him the Bible is a rich storehouse and the Sun-
day School a life school.

By his devotion, by his faithfulness and by his unselfish
efforts for all, he has endeared himself to young and old and
is today the most honored member of the school.

John N. Culver.

BYRON PARSONS.

The Senior Elder of the church after
thirty-nine years of service, retains his
youthful spirit, which enables him to
claim the distinction of being neither old
nor young.

If one considered the years, he would
turn back to the pages just after the
Civil War and read that this faithful
member of Walnut Street Church had
come, (with his estimable wife) from
New York to Evansville. Patriotic in
the extreme during all the intervening
time, he has not been ashamed of his part in the struggle
of the GO'S.

School children and older friends will always remem-
ber with pleasure his enthusiasm. His graceful, masterful,
soldierly attitude toward the advance of the years is most
worthy of commendation and should be an example for all.
May he live long— the genial Major Parsons!

Mary P. Gilchrist.

177

CHAPTER XIV.

ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH DURING THE CIVIL
WAR.

A vivid picture of the loyal support of the church dur-
ing the dark days of the Civil War, 1861-1865 is given in the
following letters, written to a member of the church, serving
in the army. "Feb. 28, 1862. We have any quantity of
sick and wounded soldiers here now, a boat having just
arrived from the South. The Marine Hospital is nearly full
and they are preparing the old City Hotel, of which Dr. Mor-
gan is to have charge with Mrs. Woolsey for 1st Lieutenant,
a good assistant, (both of Walnut St.) The ladies have
plenty of employment in visiting the first one and prepar-
ing things for the patients to eat, in finding fault with Dr.
Pennington and rowing up the officers generally. From the
baskets that are taken one would suppose a regiment of well
men could be fed. We have been busy all day sewing for
the soldiers at the hospital, making sheets and pillow cases
of which they were much in need, and the Young Ladies'
Society finds occupation for time and fingers, too."

Picking lint is a tiresome occupation, but they seem to
require quantities of it. (Lint consisted of the ravellings of
linen cloth, used to stanch wounds.)

"Oct., 1863. There is nothing in the way of news, only
our singers are preparing for a concert in a week or two,
I believe, for the benefit of the soldiers' wives.

Mr. Russell is the leader (he was then leader of the
choir) . They meet almost every evening and between that
and the various hospitals, our friend, Mrs. Gilbert's time is
pretty well occupied day and night, and I being her right-
hand man, we do not spend much time at home."

There is one from the minister, Rev. Wm. H. McCarer,
full of patriotic sentiments and incidents of service. "We
have now three hospitals, packed full, having over 700 in
them. I preached in the Pennington Hospital on Sabbath
afternoon and never had a more attentive audience. At the
close one of the men came to me and with tears in his eyes,
said, 'Oh, if I could hear you talk that way a little every day,
I thing it would make me better.' I feel repaid for my serv-
ices in the attention of my hearers. Monday afternoon I
spent visiting in the wards. I should attempt to do a great
deal more of it than I do, but I find when I begin to visit,

178

I become so interested that if I follow my feelings I must
be there nearly all the time. Bro. S. does not come to either
of our prayer meetings now. He gives no reason, but I
conjecture that too many of our prayers embrace 'those
who are in the tented held' — those who have taken their
lives in their hands to fight the battles of their country and
that this wicked rebellion may be crushed out.' We do re-
member our absent members — we do pray for our country,
but beyond this, there is nothing to rasp the feelings of
any."

Inquiry brings out the fact that Bro. S. was a Southern
sympathizer. A prying neighbor discovering signs of exul-
tant celebration on the part of Bro. S. and his family —
behind closed doors, at the assassination of Lincoln, reported
the same to the neighbors, who organized at once and paint-
ed the front of the house black with tar, that it might as-
sume the garb of mourning, as did all the other homes of the
neighborhood.

Walnut Street has kept no Roll of Honor of the Civil
War, but among her volunteers are known to be : Gen. John
W. Foster, Lieut. Col. James Shanklin, George Shanklin,
Capt. James L. Orr, George W. Goodge, James Patterson, C.
C. Genung, leader of the Band ; Gen. James E. Blythe, Alex.
McFerson.

WORLD WAR RECORD— 1914-1918.

When our country was plunged into war, the peaceful
old church, laying aside her usual pursuits, threw all her
resources of men and money into the righteous cause. Wal-
nut Street has ever sought to train and inspire men and wo-
men for leadership. How well they were fitted for the need
of the hour, let the following story tell.
Service Men.

The young men of Walnut Street Sabbath School and
Church, wherever they might be, responded loyally to the
call for service in the World War in 1917.

A service flag presented by Mrs. North Storms, of red
bunting with a white star for each man and one for the
nurse, 23 in all, hung in front of the church, reminding us, at
home, of their willing sacrifice of life itself, if necessary, in
the great struggle for freedom. We thank God today that
this sacrifice was not asked of one of our boys. After the
Armistice, the flag was taken down, solemnly, with appro-
priate ceremonies, and given into the care of Mrs. James
Saunders, a war mother, for presentation in the archives
of the church.

179

On the Honor Roll of Walnut Street, for service in
camps, at home, or abroad, are the names of —

Name Enlisted

Edgar Garvin Army

N. P. Schriener Navy

Edwin Jung- Army

Roy Bush Army

Ernest Karcher Army

W. E. Keeney Army

W. P. Keeney, Jr. Army

Mack Saunders Army

Daniel Saunders Army

Oscar Hausserman Army

Frank Storms Navy

Geo. Cunningham Army

Sam Thurgood Army

Melville Garvin Army

Name

Enlisted

Louis Klein

Army

R. C. Puckett

Army

Carl Bishop

Army

Adolph Uhl

Army

Dean Smith

Army

Harry Warren

Army

Paul H. Schmidt

Navy

Dr. G. C. Johnson

Army

Jack Spencer, Jr.

Army

Geo. Clifford, Jr.

Army

Geo. Copeland

Army

H. E. McMaster Y.

M. C. A.

Catherine Rehrsteiner

Red Cross 3

RED CROSS.

Of the ten signatures to the application sent to Wash-
ington in March, 1917, for the organization of a Red Cross
Chapter in Evansville, five were members of Walnut Street
Church ; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Orr, Dr. and Mrs. Edwin
Walker and Mrs. J. Stuart Hopkins. On the first Board of
Directors were also Mrs. George S. Clifford, Mrs. Henry
Veach, Mrs. Alex. Gilchrist and Miss Ethel McCullough.

Mrs. Samuel L. Orr, chairman of classes in first aid,
soon had three under way.

In the first surgical dressings classes, April 15th, were
Mrs. J. Stuart Hopkins, H. B. Veatch, Samuel L. Orr, George
S. Clifford, Jas. D. Saunders, and J. W. Spencer. Almost
the whole membership of a recently organized circle of the
younger women of Walnut Street, called the Social Service
Club, enrolled in a Wednesday class under Mrs. Simms, Mrs.
J. D. Welman, Adolph Geiss, Herbert Leich, L. P. Benezet,
G. C. Bedell. Fred Miller, Jr., Edward Weintz, Jas. Deakin,
Misses Mary Keeney, Mary Owen, Lorain Cutler, Florence
Dannettell, Helen Busse, Florence Kiechle and Viola Jung.

Among the other surgical workers were Mrs. E. D.
Wemyss, E. R. Sheets, G. C. Johnson, H. T. Hardin, James
Nugent, S. Bohrer. T. C. Bugg, Harry Little, H. C. Ruddick,
Boaz Crawford, Misses Marjory Heinstein and Martha

180

Keeney. In this department, Miss Florence Dannettell was
long the chairman of the wrapping committee, Mrs. Welman
on the packing and shipping committee, Mrs. Edward
Weintz and Mrs. Harry Little, lieutenant instructors. Mrs.
Henry Veatch, one of the organizers and instructors in the
Stanley Hall Surgical Unit.

The Hospital Supplies Department was organized in
May, 1917 by Mrs. George Clifford, Chairman, and Mrs. W.
H. Cutler, Assistant. The Ladies' Aid of Walnut Street
was one of the first five sewing unite to take out sewing;
the first assignment, sheets and pillow cases.

When the Department was given up in June, 1919, the
last twenty garments were taken out by the Emily Orr West-
minister Circle of Walnut Street. During the two years of
continuous Red Cross activity, the Aid Society, first at the
church with borrowed machines and later at the shop, sewed
every Thursday afternoon under the leadership of Mrs. M.
A. Sheridan, Mrs. Alex Crawford and Mrs. M. R. Kirk.
Among its workers were :

Mrs. Mary Herrenbruck Mrs. J. N. Culver

Mrs. Elwood Moore Mrs. J. A. McCarty

Mrs. Jennie Lacey Mrs. D. F. Norton

Miss Emma Brose Mrs. J. W. Sappenfield

Miss Ruth Klein Mrs. A. F. Haven

Mrs. H. C. Dodson Mrs. F. M. Frisse

Mrs. Willis M. Copeland Miss Madeline Howe

Miss Eloise Copeland Mrs. Fred Ruff

Miss Mary Davidson Mrs. Susie Hernstein

Miss Henrietta Davidson Mrs. Harry B. Greek

Miss Anne Reillv Miss Florence Dannettell

Mrs. H. C. Ruddick Mrs. W. E. Wilson

Mrs. S. M. Rutherford Mrs. W. P. Keeney

Mrs. Ed. Farrow Mrs. Chas. Leggett

Miss Jingling Mrs. Downey Kerr

Miss Elizabeth Sappenfield

Mrs. M. R. Kirk was also Associate Chairman of Wheel-
er School Unit and Mrs. J. M. Culver of Campbell Unit. At
Headquarters, Walnut Street women were among the most
capable and faithful of Chairman of Committees. Mrs.
George S. Clifford was Associate Chairman of the Shop.
Mrs. L. E. Karcher was, the first year, assistant on the cut-
ting committee ; the second year, chairman of this impor-
tant work, skillfully operating the electric cutting machine.
Among our women in this and the assembling department
were Mrs. Matilda Russell, Harry Greek, Viola Jung, Wm.

181

Keeney, George Dunlevy, W. J. Torrance, James D. Saun-
ders, Miss Blanche Jung and Miss Henrietta Davidson.

As chairman of the Inspection Committee, thousands
of garments were inspected, folded and tied into bundles,
each measured by rule, by Mrs. Walter L. Sullivan and her
assistants, most of them Walnut Street women — Mrs. S. W.
Little, Sarah Stewart, Susan Brown, Matilda Russell and
Miss Henrietta Davidson. Among the bookkeepers was Miss
Carrie Mendenhall and Mrs. W. J. Torrance.

Housewives to be presented to each departing service
man, were first made under the direction of Mrs. Alexander
Gilchrist by the Abrek Club and Emily Orr Circle. When
the Knitting Department was opened in June, the following
volunteered as instructors — Mrs. James D. Saunders, Geo.
Hodson, W. S. Little, J. S. Hopkins. Mrs. George Dunlevy
was on duty in the yarn distributing booth. What two per-
sistent knitters could accomplish is shown in the record of
Mrs. Robert Smith and Miss Alice Smith who made ovei- a
hundred articles, most of them pairs. Among the knitters
were —

Miss Lorain Cutler Mrs. D. F. Norton

Mrs. Ian C. Scott Mrs. Knowles
Mrs. Mary Herrenbruck Mrs. A. F. Haven

Mrs. Philip Klein Mrs. J. M. Culver

Miss Emma Brose Miss Mary Walters

Miss Marjorie Herstein Miss Julia Morgan

Miss Mary White Miss Tillie Dixon

Mrs. Elwood Moore Miss Madeline Howe

Mrs. Jennie Lacey Miss Isabelle Wilson

Mrs. Karl Knecht Mrs. Carl Wolflin

Mrs. H. C. Dodson Mrs. W. H. Dyer

Mrs. Robt. Smith Mrs. Susie Herstein

Miss Alice Smith Mrs. M. L. Lockyear

Miss Eloise Copeland Mrs. Frank Lanoux

Miss Mary Davidson Mrs. Ed. Weintz

Mrs. Susan Brown Mrs. I. C. Barclay

m1.? ^^^r^^Z'^^'''' Mrs. W. L. Sullivan

Mrs. H. C. Ruddick ^j t t^ ^

Mrs. John Nugent ^''^- ^- ^- ^wen

Mrs. Kerth Mrs. Wheeler

Miss Lizzie Jenner Miss Jean Foster

Mrs. J. A. McCarty Mrs. Donald French

The canteen department was organized in August to
take care of soldiers passing through Evansville. Mrs. Ed-

182

gar Garvin had charge of courtesy booths at both railway
stations. Among the workers were Mrs. E. D. Wemyss, Mr.
and Mrs. Harry Little, Mrs. W. H. Cutler, Mrs. A. L. Swan-
son, O. T. Smith, Boaz Crawford, 0. Thurgood, Jas. D. Saun-
ders, Misses Ruth Klein, Bettye Saunders, Jean Foster,
Florence Dannettell, Blanche Jung, Martha Keeney, Ann
Boleman, Ethel Camp, Marion Archer, Mrs. Daniel Norton,
Mrs. M. A. Sheridan, Mr. Chas. Clarke, C. T. Bush, Dan
Norton and M. A. Sheridan.

Mrs. Paul Schmidt organized the first Motor Corps
which was later turned over to the Red Cross. Mrs. Edgar
Garvin had charge of flower and Christmas card sales. When
a Service Club was opened at Second and Locust Streets,
among the hostesses were Mrs. L. E. Karcher, George S.
Clifford, Jas. D. Saunders, Daniel Norton, Alexander Gil-
christ. When Evansville was made a shipping port for
Southern Indiana, Mrs. J. S. Hopkins served as field super-
visor of the district.

Mrs. Edwin Walker had in charge the purchasing of
hospital emergency outfits.

Junior Red Cross.

Mrs. Henry B. Veatch organized the Junior Red Cross
of 1,400 children and directed their varied activities, 100
per cent in public and parochial schools of the city and
county. Mrs. L. P. Benezet was Distributing Director;
Grace Kiechle on Educational Committee; Mrs. E. C.
Graham, advisory for county schools ; Miss Millicent Atkins,
Miss Jean Foster, Miss Jesse Duboe, Mrs. H. Millspaugh
were active in their respective schools. Eighteen Walnut
Street women were awarded certificates for 800 hours of
Red Cross Service.

Other Activities.

Mrs. W. J. Torrance was on the Women's Committee
of the County Council of Defence, especially on food con-
servation. Mrs. Glen Ogle and Miss Elizabeth Cowan were
in food demonstration work. Miss Ethel McCullough served
three months in library work on the Mexican border and
was active in the collection of books for the camps there.

Several women made jelly for hospital and camps in
the church kitchen.

183

Mrs. Boaz Crawford was the first Secretary of the War
Mothers, a national organization, of which Mrs. L. E.
Karcher was one of the original signers. Mrs. W. J. Tor-
rance and Miss Grace Kiechle were four-minute speakers.
Mrs. Samuel L. Orr was vice-chairman of the Red Cross
on its organization and chairman of the French Orphan
Committee for twelve counties of Southern Indiana, which
secured over 800 adoptions in this district.

Miss Mary Keeney was student nurse for a year and a
half at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Ga. Miss Katherine
Rehsteiner spent a year in Base Hospital No. 14
at Bordeaux, France and on her return became instructor in
Home Hygiene and Nursing in Evansville, 1919-1920, start-
ing such work in the High School. Mrs. Groh and Miss
Christine Groh gave Y. W. service in camps. Mr. Samuel
L. Orr was one of the directors of Civilian Relief, organized
to look after the families of absent service men.

Dr. Gardner Johnson volunteered for medical service
and was assigned to Camp Custer. Mr. H. C. McMasters was
Y. M. C. A. Secretary at Camp Benjamin Harrison, In-
dianapolis.

Mr. George S. Clifford was Chairman of the County
Council of Defence and Fuel Administrator during the se-
vere winter of 1918-1919, when coal was scarce and light-
less nights a necessity. In these emergencies, choir prac-
tice and evening service were given up, and meetings held
in homes. Although the church cellars were well supplied
with coal, we felt the necessity of setting an example of
saving.

Mr. Harry W. Little became the Assistant District
Representative of the Fuel Administration with the care of
mines and shipments in Southern Indiana. Mr. B. F. Per-
sons was Food Administrator when conservation was the
necessity of the land. Our women made a study of food sub-
stitutes and were most willing to carry out every suggestion
of the Food Administrator.

Both men and women were active m drives for money
and generous in subscriptions. Rev. John Kennedy, the
minister, set an example of loyalty and preached and worked
with untiring zeal. He was one of three members of the
first four minute speakers and became a leader of patriotic
propaganda in the city and county.

Mr. Charles Clarke was Chairman of the Committee
on distribution of bronze medals to returned service men at
Bosse Field.

184

Mr. E. C. Graham was on the Vocational Board for
disabled service men.

Mr. L. P. Benezet and Miss Belle Caffee were Advisory
Chairmen for Junior Red Cross. Principal M. R. Kirk and
Mr. J. M. Culver were active in their respective schools.
Boys' Work.

Boys not old enough for draft were urged to remain in
college and prepare for possible future leadership. They
were enrolled in the S. A. T. C. and were given military
training by army instructors at their colleges. Our boys
in this service were:

Culmer Leggett John Owen

Malcolm Baird

High School boys enlisted in the Boys' Working Re-
serve, and were assigned work on the neighboring farms,
bereft of adult workers. Patriotic citizens carried them
back and forth in their autos, often many miles to work.
Farmers were at first loath to accept such help — incredulous
of the boys' efficiency — but they proved their earnestness
by hoeing corn hour after hour until their backs ached, re-
warded at the end often with a welcome dip in the river.
They well deserved the bronze medal awarded for 40 hours
of labor. On this list are —

James L. Clifford John Owen

Robert Leggett Francis Owen

William Russell Tom Keeney

The following boys earned ten dollars $10.00- for the
Y. M. C. A. work abroad :

Culmer Leggett Vernon Copeland

John Owen Wm. E. Wilson, Jr.

Francis Owen Sammy Orr

Even the Babies helped, dropping their pennies into the
Red Cross banks distributed by interested young mothers
of whom Mrs. L. P. Benezet was one.

And what shall be said of the Red Cross Roll Calls and
Liberty Loan Campaigns, of drives and enrollments. Men
and women neglected their business and homes, that there
should be no lack of comforts and necessities for the boys
"over there."

Two years of self-denial, of altruistic endeavor, of fel-
lowship in anxiety and suffering, of hardship and peril —
shall this be for naught? or shall there emerge out of this
present chastening of the Lord, the peaceable fruits of right-
eousness to us, who shall be exercised thereby.

185

CHAPTER XV.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
Invitation.

"With the passing of the year, Wahiut Street Presby-
terian Church rounds out a century of Christian ministry.
To the careless, this may be an event of but passing- inter-
est. But to men of thoughtfuhiess, who realize the worth
of Christian ideals, and to whom lives lived in unselfish ser-
vice for their fellow men are sacred monuments of God's
working, such an occasion is of greatest significance.

"Sons and Daughters of Walnut Street, we invite you
to participate with us in reverent, joyful thanksgiving to
God for His kind providence that has blessed our ministry
love. Whatever be your station, or wherever your place of
of present service, you will be honored guests as you renew
your fellowship of pays past.

"Thoughtful people everywhere, we invite you to bow
head and heart with us in thankful commemoration of the
lives of Godly men and women who have served this com-
munity for a hundred years and made old Walnut Street a
force for righteousness and God.

"In our program of activities we have sought to in-
terest you with a presentation of a drama of living history.
Our welcome will seek to make your presence with us as
happy, convenient and profitable as possible. "Come thou
with us and we will do thee good."

The preceding is quoted from the program of the pro-
posed Centennial Celebration, Nov. 23-27, 1921, distributed
and explained at the congregational supper in October.

The celebration really began Nov. 4th with the coming
to our city, as our honored guest. Rev. Henry C. Swear-
ingen, of St. Paul, Minn., Moderator of the General As-
sembly. A banquet was served by the Ladies' Aid in the
Walnut Street church, to which the pastors, elders, trus-
tees and deacons of all the Presbyterian churches in the city
were invited. Later a union meeting was held in Grace
Memorial Church, addressed by the Moderator, in a scholar-
ly sermon, on the foundation belief of Presbyterianism and
the church's confident message to the need of the world to-
day.

186

The program is as follows:

Wednesday, November 23, 1921
Evening, 7:30. Church Auditorium.

Doxology.

Invocation Rev. John W. Kennedy, D. D.

Hymn.

Call to Praise and Worship Rev. L. G. Whitcomb

Reading of Dedicatory Address of Rev. Wm. H. McCarer.

Greetings from Churches of Evansville

__... .President Pastors' Association

Greetings from Community Mayor

Special Music.

Address— The Church at Large ......Rev. S. N. Wilson, D. D.

Hymn.
Benediction.

Thursday, November 24th
Morning, 10:00 o'clock.

Union Thanksgiving Service, Memorial Coliseum, under di-
rection of Evansville Pastor's Association, Sermon by Rev.
John Kennedy, D. D.

One O'clock. Lecture Room.
Family Thanksgiving Dinner.
"Personal Reminiscences of My Pastorate" ..Former Pastors

(My call, first impressions, experiences, etc.)
Special Music.
Reminiscences from Members.

Presentation of Old Records, Relics, Pictures, etc

Mrs. Geo. S. Clifford

Informal Visiting and Examination of Records.

Evening, 7.30. Church Auditorium.
Old Folks' Night.

Organ Recital Prof. James R. Gillette

Municipal Organist.
Hymn.

Invocation ...Rev. C. S. Nickerson, D. D.

Special Musical Numbers Members of old Tinker Choir

Sermon Rev. Otis Smith, D. D.

Special Music.
Benediction.

187

Friday, November 25th

Afternoon, Two to Five. Lecture Room.
Public Reception, Parke Memorial and First Ave. Presby-
terian Churches the Guests of Honor. Greetings.
Evening, 7:30. Church Auditorium.
Historical Pageant under the direction of Mrs. Fred Ruff.

Saturday, November 26th
Noon, 1 o'clock.
Luncheon for ministers, elders and wives at memorial
manse.

Evening, 7:30. Church Auditorium.
Memorial Service.
Young people of the congregation the guests of honor.
Hymn.

Invocation ..Rev. S. N. Wilson, D. D.

Scripture Rev. L. G. Whitcomb

Prayer ...._ Rev. Otis Smith, D. D.

Special Music.

Memorial Sermon Rev. C. S. Nickerson, D. D.

Special Music.

Dedication of Memorial Windows and Tablets

- Rev. John Kennedy, D. D.

Hymn.
Benediction.

Sunday, November 27th
Morning, 10 o'clock.

Communion Service.
Hymn.

Invocation Rev. John Kennedy, D. D.

Scripture and Prayer Rev. H. A. Hymes, D. D.

Special Music.

Sermon Rev. J. Q. Adams, D. D.

Hymn.

The Lord's Supper —

Invitation Rev. L. G. Whitcomb

Bread Rev. S. N. Wilson, D. D.

Wine ..Rev. H. A. Hymes, D. D.

Prayer .Rev. C. S. Nickerson, D. D.

Hymn.

Benediction.

188

Evening, 7:30.

Song Service,

Scripture and Prayer __.. ....Rev. C. S. Nickerson, D. D.

Special Music.

Sermon ..Rev. John Kennedy, D. D.

Special Music.

Prayer of Consecration Rev. J. Q. Adams, D. D.

Benediction.

On Friday night in the church auditorium at 7:30 will
be given a historical pageant, written for the occasion by
Mrs. Fred Ruff and costumed by Mrs. Paul Schmidt, the text
of which is here given. During the recitation of this dia-
logue 120 persons in appropriate costumes, enacted scenes
illustrating the history narrated in this book.

Father Time: —

Checking off the minutes of man's hours,
I stand forever busy.

Making time by foot-prints, seasons, powers
As one by one, man, moons or nations
Pass on to fill their destinies.
Oft have I disappointed been
When man has failed to do his part ;
Oft have I called the curtain, when I've seen
The seasons unfulfilled and by an art,
Passed them on to Oblivion,
Where all is forgotten.
Pve told the tales of many nations
And set them high or low.
As by uplift or degradation
They placed themselves ; and so
Pve written well in history
The past of all below.

Tonight I draw the curtain, on the past hundred years.
And let you see the phases

Of this church, brought on by faith, through fears,
To the time of which you know.
And while I marked the time and history
Faith lighted up the way through doubt and mystery.
Come, Faith, what dost thou say
Of thy work along the way ?
Faith : —

When men were loathe to venture forth
I drew them on.

Full well I knew the worth

Of striving for the unseen things;

Oft times they went, as if by wings

They journeyed on.

But when the days were dark

Full many times, I lit the spark

Of faith in some devoted breast,

Who stood for greater things, nor would he rest

At good enough. He saw the larger sphere

That came with prayer and faith, pressed on,

Oft mocked and scorned by passing throng.

Men, by example, learned to believe

That as they ask, in faith, they receive.

And so the gift I've brought to Thee

From long forgotten memory.

Father Time: —

Here comes the first. Reverend D. C. Banks,

What of his faith and rank?

(Enter Father Banks with old fashioned traveling
bag. Meets group of men and women and urges
them to establish church in Evansville.)

Faith : —

When naught was planted for the growth
Of Spiritual life in man.
From Henderson he travelled forth
And formed a little band.
To worship God, they met in homes
'Till launching out, they sought to own,
A building, where by His Grace
All Evansville might seek HIS face.
Father Time: —

Ten years have passed, the building grows
Fostered by Warner, Olmsted and Clark who knew
The sacrifice men had to face
In building such a godly place.

(3 Trustees make report to 2 Elders, giving list
of subscriptions and specifications of first build-
ing.)
Faith : —

Often times some goodly soul.
Must pilot the faithful to their goal
Because of rain and mud and dark.

(Old man with lantern leads in members of sing-
ing school.)

190

Father Time: —

Of the service, no small thing
Was the way they used to sing.
(Music Master rehearsing:)

"Sing Far down the ages now
Much of her journey done,
The pilgrim church pursues her way
Until her crown be won."
Faith : —

A devoted woman with love in her heart

Said surely the children should have a part.

On the Sabbath she gathered them round her knee

And taught them of Christ and eternity.

(Woman with 5 children, different ages, old fash-
ioned dress catechism.-
Father Time: —

Then came the time when the demon rum

Debauched the youth, and often some

Of the finest homes were caused to sorrow,

Because of sin and the drink horror.

But men rose up, formed temperance bands

To drive this evil out of the land.

(Four temperance cadets in white baggy trousers
and red waist coats with banners "Down with the
demon rum".)
Faith : —

As usual when the funds gave out
The "Willing Workers" set about
To making dainty things to sell.
Now Mr. Barnes, he knew them well.
And gave them yards of ribbons gay ;
They fashioned gifts, this helped them pay
The Deficit; and some folks say,
"They're at it still."

(Ladies' sewing circle at work — Old fashioned
work bags. Mr. B. sends basket of ribbons.)
Father Time: —

I mark the time of evil days

When North and South forgot that they

Must stand united.

(Soldiers of Civil War marched in, stack guns and
rest. )
Faith : —

And while men fought to free the slave

The women prayed in faith to save

The nation. In Camp and hospital they worked

191

No arduous task, they sought to shirk.

(Women bring baskets of food to soldiers, bundles
of lint.)
Father Time: —

And after war, with all men free

The people then began to see

That all must brothers be.

(Women's missionary society packing barrel for
heathen.)
Faith : —

The women folk formed little bands

To send their gifts to foreign lands.

They met to pray and to learn the need

Of the foreign missions ; to sow the seed

Of Christ's love over there.

They learned their blessings with others to share.

(Enter Children of Messengers, first mission
band.) 2 foreign children.
Faith : —

So were the children taught, they too

Mig-ht share the work; and when they knew

The plight of children over there.

They longed to help them, so they shared

Their pennies with them.
Father Time : —

I note the trend of changing time

In happy vein I see the sign

Of social life and laughter gay

And work abetted by fun and play.

(Butterflies and Flowers.)
Faith : —

While the social life so dear

Was going on, some hearts drew near

To poor and needy souls, near by.

Good women trained the hand and eye

Of little ones, through sewing schools;

Nor did they fail to teach the rules

Of Christian living.

(Groups of poor children around women sewing.)
Father Time: —

Now from the circle of the home

Came young folks claiming for their own

A share of work. We find them there.

With high ideals and thoughts sincere.

And I see many a maid and man

Were married from this little band.

(C. E. society tableaux golden circle.)

Father Time: —

I see just here in history

That days grew dark. Years seemed an age,

While the red dogs of war,

Unleashed upon a horror stricken world,

Spread death and carnage. Hurled

And trampled under foot were peace and love

Men rose in sheer brutality

And smote their brothers. On this side of the sea

The cry went up, "This evil shall not be!"

And rising up the youth of this great land

Went forth a chosen band,

To fight for freedom and humanity.

(Service boys led by E. Karcher with bugle.)

Faith : —

'Tis true! The youth went forth

While a nation prayed in faith

That all might know the worth

Of Christian service. To serve humanity

These gave of their time and energy,

That those in foreign lands

Might carry on,

(Red Cross — Motor Corps, etc.)

Father Time : —

And now that youth has found a place,
We find the boy with smiling face
Prepared to do his task each day.
The boy scouts with their high ideal
Have won approval. All men feel
The boys are on the upward way.

(Boy Scouts Signaling.)

Faith : —

A "New Era" day has dawned
While faith has led the pilgrims on.
From heathen brothers 'cross the sea
Come cries of help to you and me.
New Era comes, they call her friend.
She pleads their cause to budget men.

(New Era with sacks of gold — Foreigners plead-
ing. New Era reaches out hands to budget.)

193

Father Time: —

The time has passed!
You have amassed
A lot of facts from history ;
There are only left these little ones.
Henceforth Father Time goes on
What shall I bring in future years,
A wreathe of smiles or sheaves of tears?
What sayest Thou?
(Little ones in corner stone) .

Faith : —

Ah ! Father Time, a life's brief span,

Seems short, 'tis true, to any man.

But what of Immortality

These little ones that here you see,

Are but the living corner stone

Of a new life and often grown

To greater usefulness than known

By men before.

The blood of churchmen pioneers

Has come down through a hundred years

A heritage these children know.

Shall they not carry on in faith

For hath not Christ their master said

They shall receive through faith their sight,

That leads them to the living light.

So lead thou on. Oh Father Time,

We shall not fear thy mark or sign.

We'll follow thee in faith and know

That God doth bless and guide, e'en tho

The way seems difficult, and so

We'll travel on with thee,

With confidence, that we

May share the joy, the pioneers

Found travelling through a hundred years.

On Saturday evening at 7:30, Rev. John Kennedy,
D. D., dedicated the art glass windows which shall stand in
the new century as memorials of the families active in the
church of the past. Children and grandchildren delight to
honor thus the memory of loved ones who bore the burden
of their day and have gone to their eternal reward.

194

LIST OF MEMORIAL WINDOWS AND DONORS.

John Shanklin ......1795-1877

Philura Shanklin 1808-1874

Lieut. Col. James M. Shanklin ..1836-1863

Lizzie Shanklin 1837-1919

Donor, Robert F. Shanklin, Chicago, 111., grandson of
John Shanklin.

Daniel Morgan, M. D .1813-1879

Matilda Morgan 1816-1887

Donor, Miss Julia Morgan, daughter of Daniel Morgan.
James Huntington Cutler 1829-1907

Donors, Mrs. James H. Cutler; Mr. W. H. Cutler and
family.

Gen. John W. Foster 1836-1917

Eliza Jane McFerson .1818-1913

Donor, Mrs. John W. Foster, Washington, D. C.

Samuel Orr 1810-1882

Martha Lowry Orr 1796-1882

James L. Orr 1838-1919

Kate Howes Orr 1840-1887

Martha Orr Bayard 1836-1909

Donors, Samuel L. Orr, Mrs. G. S. Clifford, Mrs. Chas.
Denby, Washington, D. C, grandchildren of Samuel Orr.

Thomas Edgar Garvin 1826-1912

Cornelia Morris Garvin 1829-1897

Donors, Mrs. Cornelia Brown, Morris and Cass Garvin,
children.

George Cunningham 1855-1916

Susan Garvin Cunningham 1861-1900

Donors, George A. Cunningham, Jr., Mrs. J. Stuart
Hopkins and Mrs. Ralph Lemcke of Indianapolis, Ind., chil-
dren.
Elizabeth Mills Gilbert .1829-1917

Donor, Mrs. E. C. Johnson, daughter.

Matthew Dalzell 1825-1903

Donor, Mrs. Matthew Dalzell.
Samuel Wylie Little 1832-1907

Donor, Mrs. S. W. Little and son, Harry W. Little.
Mary Elizabeth Babcock 1831-1911

Donors, Mr. Howard Babcock o fChicago and Mr. Guil-
ford Babcock, of New York City.
Philip C. Decker 1838-1917

Donors, Mrs. Philip C. Decker and family.

195

Windows are also placed in the Sabbath School in mem-
ory of the following :

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Scantlin, by Miss Lavina and
Miss Ethel Scantlin, daughters.

Mr. Nicholas Elles and Miss Adelia Elles, by Mrs. Eliz-
abeth Elles.

Mrs. Charles Wedding, by Mr. Charles Wedding, Jr.,
son.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Wells, by Mrs. W. H. Keller,
daughter.

Mr. North Storms, by Mrs. North Storms.
Centennial window by Teachers and Scholars of Sabbath
School.

Two bronze tablets also were dedicated, one erected
to the ruling elders of a hundred years by the present Board
of Elders, and the other to the ministers of the century
erected by Mrs. Robert Smith, Miss Alice Smith, and Mrs.
Harry Greek as a memorial to Robert Smith, Elder, for
years Chairman of the Presbyterial Board of Ministerial
Relief.

THE FUTURE.

Is the history of Walnut Street Church ended?
God forbid !

What has the future in store for her?
God knows.

But ringing down the ages comes

the declaration of the Apostle Paul,

as an exhortation to the church of the next generation.

"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are be-
fore ; I press toward the mark for the prize of the high call-
ing of God in Christ Jesus.

''Nevertheless — Whereunto we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule — let us mind the same thing,
and my God shall supply all your need, according to his
riches in glory, by Christ Jesus."

196

The trustees also announced the gift of a $1,000 Liberty
Bond to the Sabbath School by Mr. and Mrs. John Hubbs of
St. Louis, Mo., as a memorial to their sister. Miss Hannah
Hubbs and their children, Frances and John, Jr., all de-
voted members, in former years, of this Sabbath School.

Relics of by-gone days in fine needlework, books and
pictures were on exhibition in the parlors under the care of
Mrs. Edgar Garvin, Mrs. Alexander Gilchrist and Mrs. L.
P. Benezet. Old records and documents were also open to
inspection as well as a scrap book, compiled by Miss Alice
Smith, of pew rent receipts, treasurer's reports, programs
of entertainments, etc.

An impressive part of the Centennial Communion serv-
ice on Sabbath morning was the reception into membership
of the "Church of their Fathers," of four children of the
fourth generation, who in the pageant of Friday repre-
sented the pillars and arch of the Church of the Future :
Kendrick Orr, Dorothy Bohrer, Edwards Hopkins, Henry
Babcock Veatch, Jr.

197

IN GRATEFULiMlMfeil

OF THE D£cEASED-ELDEI1

SINCE irs

DANIEL CHUTE 18?l-5
JAMESGOODLETT18EI-5
ELI SHERWOOD 1823-3

LUKE WOOD

182 S-4

JOHN LiNDLEY

1828-6

CONRAD BAKER

18 47-5'

M.W.SAFFORD

18506

JOHN SHANKLIN

1655-1,

SAMUEL ORR

1855-^

CHARLES WELLS

JB61-5

HENRY F. BLOUNT

1861-6*

C.C.TYRELL

l86I-#

JOHN W.FOSTFR

rMM

DANIELG.MAkK l€S^

ALEXANDER GOW

m£^i

EREC-^

urn

^' THE "Wi

p&tf

BYRON PARSONS

^^gjQ^

HERMAN PFAFFI

IS^

mM^J^iMmm:

am.{ _„

./ALTER L.SULLfVAN 15^4- C
JOHN M.CULVER 1906- '^
GEORGE S.CLIFfORD I908- F
^> NOVEMBER

198

IN GRATEFUL MEMORY

OF THE MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED

WALNUT STREET PRESBYTERI-AN CHURCH

SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION

1821 1921

REV. D.C.BANKS 1821

REV. CALVIN BUTLER 1831

REV. MC AFEE 1834

REV.JEREMIAH R.BARNES 1838

REV. SAMUEL K.SNEED 1846

REV.A.E.LORD 1848

REV.WM.H.MC CARER D.D. 1849

REV. J.P.E.KUMLER D.D. 1868

REV. SAMUEL CARLISLE DD. 1872

REV. CHARLES HENRY FOOTE D.D. 1S76

REV. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS D.D. 1878

REV. SEWARD M.DODGE 1881

REV. LELAND M.GILLELAND D.D. IS84

REV. OTIS A.SMITH 1891

REV.SAMUEL N.WILSON D.D. 1896

REV.CHARLES S.NICKERSON D.D. 1901

REV.JOHN W.KENNEDY D.D. 1907

REV. LESLIE G.WHITCOMB 1919

ERECTED IN LOVING MEMORY OF

ROBERT SMITH. ELDER.

NOVEMBER 1921

Hfckman

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Full text of "A Century of history of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Indiana : with sketches of it's [sic] pastors, officers, and prominent members and reminiscences of early times"

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